Opinion
Our head of state should not have constitutional ties with religion
As King Charles assumes the title of Defender of the Faith, Stephen Evans argues that the role of head of state in... Read More »
Iran protests are a reminder that the hijab is symbol of subjugation
In a country where removing the headscarf is a punishable crime, women burning their hijabs deserve our solidarity.... Read More »
Talk of a public appetite for religion is wishful thinking
The established church's proclivity to insert itself into the secular realm should not go unchallenged, argues Stephen... Read More »
Blasphemy laws, not books, belong on the bonfire
During Banned Books Week, Helen Nicholls examines the impact of blasphemy laws on those who write about religion –... Read More »
An exciting and unique introduction to the life of Thomas Paine
Paul 'Polyp' Fitzgerald's Paine: A fantastical visual biography is a new graphic novel on the life of Thomas Paine,... Read More »
The Ayatollah will not have the last word
Salman Rushdie's battle is the battle of all of us who stand on the right side of history, says Pragna Patel.
The television... Read More »
The silencing of Salman Rushdie must not succeed
The best way to show solidarity with Salman Rushdie is by making sure his voice continues to be heard, says Stephen... Read More »
Anglican gay sex debate is a reminder of the need for secularism
The Church of England's position on same-sex relationships should set the wheels of disestablishment in motion, says... Read More »
Freedoms that flow from secular democracy need to be defended
The rolling back of reproductive rights in America shows necessity of secularism, says Stephen Evans.
"History is not... Read More »
Obituary: Former NSS president Terry Sanderson
An obituary to Terry Sanderson, who died on June 12th 2022, by his civil partner Keith Porteous Wood.
I regret to inform... Read More »
Britain’s de facto blasphemy law strikes again
Pandering to fundamentalism is not the way to a more open, tolerant and peaceful society, argues Stephen Evans.
With... Read More »
Should specialist theological colleges receive public funds for higher education?
Specialist theological colleges focused on doctrinal training create inherent conflict with the academic freedom and... Read More »
Encouraging evangelism in public services will promote division, not divinity
A survey reveals members of the public generally get along well with Christians – but feel less enthusiastic... Read More »
NI education conference shows cause for secularist hope
The National Secular Society recently held an online conference on inclusive education in Northern Ireland. Here,... Read More »
The Church shouldn’t have a privileged platform in political debate
Following the furore over the archbishop of Canterbury's latest political intervention, Stephen Evans argues Justin... Read More »
Time to follow Northern Ireland in ending religious discrimination against teachers
After ending a blanket exemption from equality laws, Northern Ireland will outlaw religious discrimination against... Read More »
CofE plans to increase influence in post-16 education smack of hubris
The Church of England's emerging plans to expand their role in sixth form and further education colleges, accompanied... Read More »
A government blueprint for more religious control of schools?
The government's new proposals for education reform in England could see increased discrimination, and most non-faith... Read More »
An inclusive Britain starts with inclusive schools
Keeping religion and state education separate is the best way of ensuring schools promote free inquiry, equality and... Read More »
Religious education isn’t the right vehicle for civics
The government thinks religious education is important for developing children's critical thinking, values, and understanding... Read More »
Recent studies agree: the risks of circumcision outweigh any benefits. It’s time to rethink our permissive approach to genital cutting.
Dr Antony Lempert says the findings of two recent medical papers critical of infant circumcision should prompt us... Read More »
Appointments of future archbishops shouldn’t be the state’s business
Church of England plans to give Anglican church leaders from around the world greater power in choosing future archbishops... Read More »
Playing whack-a-mole with religious charities isn’t working. Time to reform charity law.
Regulating charities effectively will not be possible until religious privilege is removed from charity law, says... Read More »
Religious selection is only part of the problem with faith schools
Ending religious discrimination in faith school admissions is an important first step – but it will not undo... Read More »
Remove religious gatekeepers from school admissions
Faith-based selection forces families' religiosity to be assessed, compels conformity, and undermines everyone's freedom... Read More »