Tags: Council Prayers
Prayers aren't appropriate in the public realm
Posted: Thu, 25 Jul 2019 by Stephen Evans
As Brighton's new mayor comes under fire for abolishing prayers at council meetings, Stephen Evans argues that Britain's growing indifference to religion should prompt a rethink of religion's public role. Read More »
Seven secularist steps that would strengthen democracy in the UK
Posted: Wed, 04 Jul 2018 by Megan Manson
In recognition of National Democracy Week 2018, Megan Manson reflects on what still needs to be changed to make the UK a truly democratic, secular state.
This year's National Democracy Week is special because it also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the... Read More »
Religious Right supports state backed prayers, until they’re Islamic
Posted: Thu, 12 Oct 2017 by Paul Lusk
Claims of ecumenicalism and pluralism are often used to smuggle exclusively Christian privilege into public institutions. Christian secularist Paul Lusk asks what we should do about that.
Christian Concern has criticised Oldham council for holding Islamic prayers... Read More »
Council prayers: none so deaf as those that will not hear
Posted: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 by Alastair Lichten
Those who regard the imposition of religious values and practices in secular spaces as benign should be more aware of their privilege, argues Alastair Lichten.
You may regret clicking this link. If you did you may well have heard 10 seconds of silence. The... Read More »
Eric Pickles' 'evangelical charter' on its way to becoming law
Posted: Thu, 12 Mar 2015 by Stephen Evans
A small group of Christians in parliament are changing the law to give local authorities the power to summon councillors to prayers. Stephen Evans argues that the right to freedom of religion should always be balanced by the right to be free from religion.... Read More »
MPs want God at centre of local democracy
Posted: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 by Imran Khan
When Conservative councillor Imran Khan opted out of Christian prayers at council meetings he was subject to ostracization, abuse and deselection. He's urging MPs to keep sectarianism out of local politics by voting against the Local Government (Religious... Read More »
Grievous nonsense
Posted: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 by Terry Sanderson
The narrative that Christians are somehow persecuted in the UK – which the Daily Telegraph and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve were happy to promote this week – is a dishonest appeal for privilege, argues NSS president Terry Sanderson.
To... Read More »
Kerry County Council crucifix a challenge to religious diversity
Posted: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 by Dr Ronan McCrea
Following the erection of a crucifix in the newly renovated Kerry County Council chambers, Dr Ronan McCrea argues that the values of a particular faith should not be given predominance in State institutions.
The decision to erect a crucifix in Kerry County... Read More »
Council prayers: Eric Pickles rewrites history again
Posted: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 by Terry Sanderson
Rather than being a voice for "moderation and reasonableness" over prayers at council meetings, the partisan and dictatorial Mr Pickles is pursuing an agenda to impose his religion on public life, argues Terry Sanderson.
You will remember that the Communities... Read More »
Eric Pickles’ dictatorial disregard for the law is dangerous in a democracy
Posted: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 by Terry Sanderson
Eric Pickles, the Dickensian-style Communities Minister, has announced that Britain is a "Christian nation" and anyone who disagrees needs to "get over it".
He has the usual easy pop at "militant atheists" and dismisses anyone who opposes what he does as "politically... Read More »
Religious people should recognise that secularism benefits them, too
Posted: Tue, 19 Jun 2012 by Mary Draycott
The outcry against not having prayers during council meetings is presented as some huge attack against Christianity. But this misses the point. Even Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, waded in and lectured the Pope and his cardinals that they had... Read More »
Prime Minister’s dissembling, hypocritical and disingenuous speech to religious leaders
Posted: Tue, 03 Apr 2012 by Terry Sanderson
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, gave an Easter reception for Christian leaders at Downing Street this week at which he delivered an unctuous speech of such disingenuousness and hypocrisy that it almost takes the breath away.
He starts by saying he welcomes... Read More »
The great debate begins
Posted: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 by Terry Sanderson
We've been trying for a long time to get a national debate going about the place of religion in British society. It took our court case in Bideford to really ignite it.
The initial reaction has been — as we predicted last week — hysterical, misinformed,... Read More »
Council prayer case will bring much abuse on to the head of the NSS
Posted: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 by Terry Sanderson
As we contemplate the implications of the High Court decision that the saying of prayers as part of local council business is illegal, the National Secular Society is bracing for an absolute torrent of abuse, exaggeration, misrepresentation and hysteria from... Read More »
Council prayer case will bring much abuse on to the head of the NSS
Posted: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 by Terry Sanderson
As we contemplate the implications of the High Court decision that the saying of prayers as part of local council business is illegal, the National Secular Society is bracing itself for an absolute torrent of abuse, exaggeration, misrepresentation and hysteria... Read More »
Why Trevor Phillips owes the NSS an apology
Posted: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 by National Secular Society
Last week, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Trevor Phillips, wrote an article in the Sunday Times in which he expressed concern about the way in which the Human Rights Act is being abused and, as he put it, "used in ways which any... Read More »
A predictable reaction to council prayer challenge
Posted: Fri, 09 Dec 2011 by Terry Sanderson
NSS President, Terry Sanderson, reflects on the hostile reaction from commentators to our challenge to prayers during council meetings.
