Leicester Secular Society

About Us

Leicester Secular Society and Community Cohesion

Allan Hayes.

A message from our President Allan Hayes:

For over a hundred and fifty years Leicester Secular Society has been bringing people together to exchange views, listen to stimulating speakers, fight for equality and human rights, and to simply enjoy meeting one another. Since 1881 we have been based in Secular Hall on Humberstone Gate. The Society is needed now as much as at any time.

Countering religious division

Government policies, unduly emphasising religious identity, privileging religious groups and institutions, and placing education and social services in their hands are dangerous; they are dividing us, religion from religion, and those who belong to a religion from those who do not; they are involving the state in the promotion of religion.

The Society is committed to countering these policies and to creating a civil society that is for everyone equally, and that encourages both respect for difference and the habits of trust and cooperation. It does this through political representation and open dialogue.

Understanding each other

Speakers in the last year have included Michael Reiss (on Science Religion and Education), Anil Bhanot, General Secretary of the Hindu Council, Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society , and Shaaz Mahboob, Vice Chair of British Muslims for a Secular Democracy. The autumn programme will include the Education Officer for the British Humanist Association (BHA) and a leading Sikh.

Playing our part

We have members who serve on the Leicester Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education, on the Hospital Chaplaincy team, as Faith Ambassadors at Leicester College, as Celebrants for non-religious Funerals, Weddings and Baby Namings, as trustees of the British Humanist Association and of the Sea of Faith Network, as Chair of the Leicester City of Sanctuary Committee and as Vice Chair of Leicester Interfaith Fellowship.

Looking ahead

The Society is one of the most active in the city, with over forty meetings a year and an increasing membership. Along with regular meetings it is pursuing plans for involvement with Philosophy for Children and, with the BHA in Humanism for Schools courses. It is also planning a history project on the Society, the city and the fight for civil liberties.

Members and activities

Members appear on radio and television and their letters frequently appear in the press.

The social side is catered for by events like musical evenings, a wine tasting, walks and outings.

Here is the current programme. Most meetings are open to all.

If you agree with our aims, please consider joining us.

In any case we would be happy to hear from you and to meet you at one of our events.