Posts

Leicester Secular Society calls for a ‘fixed’ Easter School holiday

This year the Easter weekend starts on 29 March, next year it will be 18th April and in 2026 it will be on 3rd April. This ‘moveable feast’ can vary by more than a month from March 22 at the earliest to April 25 at the latest. This variation in the length of school terms can play havoc in schools resulting in less time in school immediately prior to external examinations. In Leeds, the school Easter holiday has been fixed since 2010. The two week Easter holiday in Leeds has always taken place during the first two full weeks in April, regardless of when Easter falls on the calendar. Now the Welsh government is consulting on decoupling the school spring break from the Easter public holiday in Wales. It seems nonsensical that the school terms in Leicester and Leicestershire are structured around Christian observances. According to the 2021 census, Christianity is not the majority religion in either Leicester or Leicestershire (24.7% Leicester, 45.7% Leicestershire)

Hindu Council UK objects to talk on "Hinduism: A Wretched, Immoral Compass"

Image
The Society hosted a talk on the caste system on 3rd December 2023. Before the talk on 19th November the Secretary of the Society received the following email - We write to express our deep concern and offense regarding the title of an event scheduled to take place at your venue, titled "Hinduism: Wretched Immoral Compass." It has come to our attention that such a choice of words is not only derogatory but also appears to be anti-Hinduism.   Hinduism, a faith with a rich history spanning thousands of years and followed by over one billion people worldwide, deserves respect and understanding. Using such inflammatory language seems designed to appeal and incite hatred towards Hindus, who are one of the largest and most peaceful communities globally. As a secular society, we believe it is your responsibility to avoid language that may be offensive or disrespectful towards any faith.   We urge you to consider the implications of this event title and whether it aligns with t

Open Letter to MP re. interference in internal affairs of Church of England

Dear Mrs. Hunt, We were very concerned to read your letter of 26th November 2023 (on House of Commons stationery and published on your website) to the Leicester Diocese of the Church of England. In this you oppose the proposals being put forward by the Diocese as an MP. We would have no concern if you wrote as a member of the Church of England, but intervening as a Member of Parliament is blatant political interference in the way a religious body can operate. We appreciate that the Church of England has yet to be disestablished, but as the Member of Parliament for Loughborough, you speak on behalf of a population the vast majority of which does not involve itself with the Church of England. The 2021 census shows that the religious breakdown of Loughborough’s population is 43% non religious, 41% Christian (of various denominations), 4% Hindu, 4% Muslim and 8% other. Those actually involved on a regular basis with the Church of England, based on attendance figures, constitute only abo

Leicester Secular Society Policy on the Burning of Religious Texts adopted at the AGM on 19 November 2023

  Blasphemy codes apply only to those who voluntarily submit to them. In a Liberal Democracy there can be no legal right not to be offended. Equating any desecration of religious books and symbols with incitement to violence imposes blasphemy laws by stealth limiting free expression. Speech and expression must be viewed in context. It is right for societies to combat intolerance and hatred. Language that might be regarded as blasphemy or desecration of religious texts, used to deliberately provoke hatred and violence, needs to be restricted. However, blanket bans silence legitimate expression and dissent. In democratic societies free expression and freedom of religion are both necessary to counter intolerance. Freedom to question, criticise, mock and even insult religion is every bit as essential as the freedom to practise it.

Stopping discrimination against children from Catholic primary schools

Image
7/12/22 Dr Sara Thompson has been able to report some progress in overcoming the discrimination caused by the feeder school policy promoted by the Roman Catholic Church.  She would welcome any donations you can make towards her legal costs. Nearly there!… Favourable developments. Please take part in the consultation, if you can, and fingers crossed. The three secular Oadby Schools are now consulting on new Oversubscription Admission Criteria and this is the opportunity we fought for to ensure that St Thomas More children have access to Beauchamp, Gartree and Manor like all the other children in the area. St Thomas More is currently only listed as a feeder to Catholic St Paul’s. But St Paul’s might not work for every single St Thomas More family.  We are fighting for choice. St Thomas More children have no real chance to get into Beauchamp, Manor or Gartree, which are secular state schools.  After a 4 year “legal” battle, parents and carers now have a chance to ensure

Leicester's religious makeup revealed by 2021 census

  The 2021 census data has been published. It shows that in Leicester those labelling themselves as Christians, Muslims and No Religion each account for about a quarter of the population with Hindus accounting for 18%. Click on this link for a more detailed breakdown.

Statement about recent violent incidents in the City.

Leicester Secular Society condemns the recent violence promoted by religious extremists. We condemn those of any religion who seek to divide society, advocate for the domination of their religion and use violence against those with different beliefs. We believe that a truly secular city and county is the only way to guarantee equality to the many different religions and communities we have. We believe that the continued existence and further creation of faith schools in Leicester can only drive communities apart and encourage the growth of intolerance. We do not want to see any more segregation in Leicester. Belfast demonstrates the danger of a failure to promote inter community friendships. We don't ever want to see "peace walls" appearing in our city. Since 1851, the Leicester Secular Society has opposed religious discrimination and stands for an inclusive and plural society.