Birmingham Humanists

Very much an active group, but dormant on X. Please visit our website for up-to-date info.

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

@brumhums we welcome people who have previously had religious beliefs.
The amazing Faith to Faithless organisation offers support on a national level, in particular for people leaving controlling religions, including a telephone helpline.
https://t.co/bomtftvQ8a

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Birmingham Humanists is very much an active organisation, but we will no longer post on X or monitor this account. Please visit our website for information on forthcoming events and contact info.

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

... and with events coming in quick succession, we have a Winter Wellbeing Workshop on Wednesday 26th, devised with professional expertise and with a humanist slant. Please do join us.
https://t.co/mrzmZGnq4K

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Join us this Sunday 23rd as our Sunday Socials resume. Please follow the link for further details.
https://t.co/ir3LvdIp2C

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Our pub meet-ups are back on a regular monthly schedule, with one coming up next Weds 5th February. If you're a humanist, or interested in humanism, you're very welcome to come along!
https://t.co/n2kP7aUNmU

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

The latest edition of Humanistically Speaking has just landed, a thought-provoking read, as usual.
https://t.co/aIV8hFOFup

[Humanists UK @Humanists_UK]

President of the Nigerian Humanist Association Mubarak Bala is finally free after nearly four-and-a-half years of imprisonment for ‘blasphemous’ posts on Facebook.

Words can hardly express how relieved and delighted we are to learn that our colleague and friend Mubarak Bala has finally been released after what has been such an outrageous denial of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Nigeria’s own constitution.

While we celebrate Mubarak’s release, we want to extend our thanks to all those who have campaigned on his behalf – our patrons, members, and supporters, our colleagues from different faith and belief backgrounds across the UK, and the UK Government itself.

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

@elonmusk Your arrogance and sense of entitlement are breathtaking. Your wrong-headed and counter-factual thinking are beyond belief. Your sense of the mood of the British public and what is best for this country are totally off the mark. Get a grip, man.

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

We have an interesting event this Thursday. Please follow this link for details.
https://t.co/RpQf42oYBn

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

We have an interesting event coming up this Thursday 21st. Follow the link for details. https://t.co/RpQf42oYBn

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Our monthly pub meet-up is upon us, taking place this Wednesday 6th November. Anyone interested in humanism is welcome - hope to see you there.
https://t.co/TvMs9tFelo

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

This Thursday, we have an online talk and discussion from Humanist Climate Action. All are welcome to join. Follow the link for details, and if you'd like to attend, fill in the form and we'll send you Zoom details.
https://t.co/l5CD6tspB9

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

The new edition of "Humanistically Speaking" is available online now. @HumanisticallyS
https://t.co/SAkupbTLZr

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

There's still time to consider coming to our café social tomorrow! All are welcome, but please see the website for further details and to let us know you'll be there.
https://t.co/3A0JKG21DX

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Do join us this Wednesday, for a talk on the pertinent subject of assisted dying. All are welcome - please let us know you'll be there via our website.
https://t.co/V3hB1gcXpy

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

This looks like an interesting event from our friends @birminghamsalom

[Humanists UK @Humanists_UK]

The surge in far-right demonstrations and racist violence across our country, targeting Muslims, asylum seekers, and others on account of their ethnicity or identity is contemptible and has no place in an open and democratic society.

The violence started after lies were spread online that the perpetrator of murders in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. In fact, this was not the case – the accused is a British citizen, born in the UK. But this shouldn’t matter. Nothing justifies the violence that has followed. It is worrying seeing how easily misinformation has spread across social media, and how easily the far right has been able to organise. This reflects both a failure by social media platforms and the state to tackle misinformation and incitement online, and by the state to effectively counter the growth of far-right networks. Urgent action is needed on both fronts.

Intimidation and violence directed at asylum seekers on the streets and in their own homes is particularly shocking. Asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable people in our society, often having fled persecution, violence, and abuse to get to the UK. Many have left everything behind and faced extremely difficult journeys. We support non-religious asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their beliefs, so have seen this first hand. They should always be met with compassion and support, not further hatred in what should be their places of safety and shelter. The political and social atmosphere that has enabled this violence and emboldened racists is not new, but has been generated over many years. It must be addressed by a responsible change in rhetoric and approach from all public authorities and from the media.

Equally, in a society that enshrines freedom or belief in our law, no-one should face discrimination, intimidation, or violence because of their religious beliefs or identity. Attacks on Muslims and on mosques are a sickening example of blind hate. Again this is nothing new. Muslims experience some of the highest levels of hate crime of any section of our society and we should all stand against anti-Muslim bigotry.

How can we, as humanists, best respond to these events? Some will choose to take part in counter-rallies. This can be a proportionate and welcome response, where it assists the authorities in protecting people and property, but it is vital that it doesn’t engender more violence or hatred, or lead to people putting themselves at risk.

We can all take heart from the many communities where people of different backgrounds, identities, and beliefs are coming together to clean up damage, make connections, and build community. These efforts are to be commended and we encourage humanists everywhere to take part. The future of the UK will be one of increasing diversity: diversity of ethnicities, opinions, identities, and beliefs. The actions of the people of good will who come together now will illuminate that future.

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Our monthly pub meet-up is happening this coming Wednesday, 7th August. Anyone interested in humanism is welcome.
https://t.co/XNtdt10Kb3

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

The latest edition of the monthly online "Humanistically Speaking" is out now. @HumanisticallyS
https://t.co/hTb0gjgXIo

[Birmingham Humanists @brumhums]

Our main event in August is a visit to Shrewsbury for a guided tour of Darwin's childhood home. Follow the link for details.
https://t.co/AddtSsMS1S