What Our Members Say

What Our Members Say

Find out why our members support our work, in their own words.

What Our Members Say

I think all groups, religious, atheistic or agnostic, have enough common ground to be able to live together in harmony under secular systems of governance, law, welfare, education, etc.

Paula, Coalville

What prompted me to join was simply that I had had enough of religious organisations establishing themselves as being above criticism. That it is not possible to criticise religious practices without being told that you are being offensive scares me.

Anon

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.

Marcus, Milford Haven

"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 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

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

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

The privilege provided to religion within our society is intolerable. Secularism is being cynically attacked to preserve the status quo, and withdrawing religious privilege regarded as persecution. My local MP defends religious schools as he feels he has the right to send his children to a school with a Christian ethos – some local parents cannot find a non-religious school and have to fight for their children's rights. The NSS is effectively working to address these inequalities.

Dalis, Bucks

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

"As a medical student, what concerns me most is NHS funding for hospital chaplains."

Brendan, Lisburn

"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

"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

"David Cameron's 'Big Society' appears to be pushing towards a greater role for religion-based organisations instead of connecting with all people."

Karen, Northamptonshire

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

I was delighted Ofqual had investigated the inexcusable redacting of exam questions, had ruled in favour of children's education, and the key role the NSS played in this outcome.

Luke

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

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

"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

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

The General Principles of the NSS very accurately represent my outlook. Religious beliefs are valid and appropriate when held and practised privately, but if you use your beliefs to justify your actions, you must be prepared to justify your beliefs.

Anon

I am angry about faith schools, free schools, and ridiculous 'faith' based views pervading education, including Sex Education.

Niki, London

"I am angry with what I view as the permitted brainwashing of children within our education system. Myself and my wife joined the NSS to help protect children from adults with religious and faith based agendas."

Timothy, London

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

People should have the free will to practise whatever religion they wish. I support actions challenging religious organisations' campaigns to manipulate laws and services according to their own belief systems. I hope my membership makes a valid contribution to this important cause.

Amber