Commitment to reason, empathy, and human flourishing.
Free from religious dogma, the humanists’ approach is characterised by personalisation, inclusivity, and a focus on human connection.
Our Guiding Values
Across the world, humanists are united by a commitment to reason, empathy, and human flourishing, without reliance on supernatural or religious authority. These values are formally codified in humanist declarations, including the Amsterdam Declaration 2022, which is the definitive guiding statement of the global humanist movement. We, like other humanist organisations and individuals, uphold the following principles:
Rationality and Reason: A belief that the world’s problems are best solved through human reason, critical thinking, and the scientific method.
Inherent Morality and Ethics: The view that morality is an inherent part of the human condition, grounded in empathy, kindness and concern for others’ suffering or flourishing, rather than in external divine commands (humanity and altruism).
Individual Dignity and Autonomy: An affirmation of the worth of every person and of their right to the greatest possible freedom, compatible with others’ rights.
Social Responsibility and Justice: A duty of care to all humanity, including future generations, and a rejection of racism, prejudice, and social inequality (peace and justice).
Secularism and Democracy: Support for states that remain neutral and impartial regarding religious or non-religious beliefs, together with a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Fulfilment in The One Life we have: This brings the focus to making the most of the only life we are known to have by seeking justice, personal joy, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Environmental Stewardship: Recognition that humans are part of nature and share a collective responsibility to protect the planet’s ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them (global awareness).
Humanist values such as reason, empathy, and the belief that this is the one life we have directly shape how humanists live, celebrate milestones, and engage in social activism. Because they do not follow religious dogmas, their approach is characterised by personalisation, inclusivity, and a focus on human connection. For humanists, living well means making ethical decisions based on the likely consequences for themselves and others, and seeking meaning through creativity, curiosity, and service. There are no mandatory rules, but many find that adopting a humanist identity offers a supportive community and a positive framework for an honest, meaningful life without faith.
Non-religious rituals are led by a humanist celebrants who craft a unique script based on the individual’s story. Our weddings focus entirely on the couple’s love story, shared values, and hopes for the future rather than on religious requirements. We welcome all couples, including same-sex partners, and can include people of various faiths. Humanist wedding ceremonies can be held anywhere (beaches, forests, or gardens) and may include symbolic acts such as handfasting or drinking from a quaich.
Humanist funerals and memorial ceremonies centre on the life, character, and legacy of the deceased rather than on an afterlife. While we acknowledge grief, our funeral ceremonies often have an uplifting tone that celebrates the person’s impact on their community. In most funeral ceremonies, humanists include a period of silent reflection, allowing religious guests to pray privately while others simply remember their loved one.
Humanist naming ceremonies are joyful, non-religious alternatives to christenings that welcome a new child into their family and community. We often highlight the child’s future freedom to explore their own beliefs. Parents often choose guideparents who promise to support and mentor the child as they grow.
Humanist organisations such as Humanists International and Humanists UK campaign to protect human rights and promote secular values. For example, we, like them, campaign to abolish blasphemy laws worldwide, which are often used to persecute non-believers and minorities and to suppress freedom of thought and expression.
Humanists work to ensure that schools teach science-based evolution rather than creationism, and that religious education is inclusive of non-religious worldviews. We have long-standing support for marriage equality, reproductive rights (such as abortion access), dignity in dying (assisted dying), and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. We also provide direct support and advocacy for atheists and humanists who face violence or imprisonment for their beliefs in religiously conservative communities.