The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain

The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain examines the significant impact of humanists on British life since the early 20th century. In this book, leading historians of religious non-belief, Callum Brown, David Nash, and Charlie Lynch, explore how humanist organisations promoted ethical reform and rationalism in response to the moral challenges of the modern world. This comprehensive account highlights the dynamic contributions of this influential group.

Evolving from the Ethical Union (established in 1896), the Rationalist Press Association (founded in 1899), the British Humanist Association (formed in 1963), and later becoming Humanists UK (in 2017), humanists worked to diminish religious privilege while enhancing humanitarian compassion and human rights.

Humanists were instrumental in pioneering legislation concerning blasphemy laws, dignity in dying, and abortion rights. Their influence extended to the development of new laws on gay marriage, as well as sex and moral education. On an international scale, they have worked to combat war and world hunger. Furthermore, with the introduction of Humanist marriages and the celebration of life through Humanist funerals, national rituals and cultural practices have recently been transformed.

Based on extensive archival and oral-history research, this book offers the definitive history of humanists as an ethical force in modern Britain.