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Conway Hall Ethical Society presents:

Ethical Matters:
The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain

23rd April 2023 · 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Doors open: 2:45pm

Brockway Room | Virtual event

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Ethical Matters: The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain

Humanists have been a major force in British life since the turn of the 20th century. Developing through the Ethical Union (1896), the Rationalist Press Association (1899), the British Humanist Association (1963) and Humanists UK (2017), Humanists sought to reduce religious privilege but increase humanitarian compassion and human rights.

After pioneering legislation on blasphemy laws, dignity in dying and abortion rights, they went on to help design new laws on gay marriage, as well as sex and moral education. Internationally, they endeavoured to end war and world hunger. And with Humanist marriages and celebration of life through Humanist funerals, national ritual and culture have recently been transformed.

Leading historian David Nash examines how humanist organisations brought ethical reform and rationalism to the nation as it faced the moral issues of the modern world. Based on extensive archival and oral-history research, this is the definitive history of Humanists as an ethical force in modern Britain.

David Nash is Professor of History at Oxford Brookes University, UK. His book The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain will be available on the day.

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Further Info

This event will be held with an in-person audience at Conway Hall and online via livestream. Everyone wishing to join this event must register for a ticket in advance.

If you have any accessibility enquiries, please contact us at info@conwayhall.org.uk / 020 7405 1818.

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