No, it's not a kind of pig. It's the Humanists Australia Working Group. The HAWG was created after a nationwide discussion open to all Australian humanists was held on Sunday, June 7, 2020, on the topic of a new Australian Humanist organisation. Mary-Anne Cosgrove, who at the time of the meeting was President of the Council of Australian Humanist Societies
Abstract: Hamill, Calder Despite the challenges facing human society, much of our public discourse is becoming increasingly counterproductive. Currents of populism, anti-intellectualism and the dissemination of 'alternative facts' are coalescing to produce an era deemed 'post-truth'.
Abstract: While in some countries the membership of Humanist organisations is ageing, this is not the case elsewhere in the world, particularly in developing countries. In these countries young Humanists are active and enthusiastic even in the face of enormous challenges and personal dangers.
Abstract: Holesgrove, Rod With no end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with other serious global threats ' nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, climate change, life support systems (biodiversity) being lost, and future pandemics ' it is clear the world cannot continue on its present path. A massive transformative movement is required. Otherwise human civilisation will be at great risk. In the worst case, Homo sapiens and millions of other species on the only living planet that we know of in the universe, will disappear.
Abstract: Sometimes dealing with changing times means trying to make sure that progressive reforms are not overturned. Many Humanists, trying to make the world a better place, must feel as exhausted and exasperated as Alice running furiously just to stay in the same spot.
Abstract: Patten, Fiona In the unprecedented times that we find ourselves, we need Humanism more than ever. We need that unique fusion of science and good will, of ethics and tolerance to steer our way out of the political and pandemic hell that our family of nations is currently beset with.
Abstract: In July this year Humanists Australia proudly announced that Fiona Heather Patten, MLC, was the latest recipient of its national award ' Australian Humanist of the Year.
Abstract: Dangerfield, Elizabeth Earlier this year philosopher Robert Griffiths wrote an article for the periodical Philosophy Now, called Beyond Humanism, which was highly critical of Humanism. Griffiths went so far as to say that, because Humanism self-defines itself as anti-religious it therefore needs gods so it can argue against them. Several people drew my attention to the article. I did not think it was a fair assessment of Humanism because I think the arguments put forward by Griffiths were based on a limited understanding of modern-day Humanism. Unlike him, I do not agree that we are defined by a hatred of religion, by old debates of the 18th century he believes we are still having, by selected writers he doesn't like, by the Amsterdam Declaration of 1952 rather than what has happened in the half century since, or what is happening in well-developed, privileged Westernised countries only. Nor do I agree with Griffiths that Humanism overly focuses on humans and attacking religion, to the point that it repels young people who are interested in issues such as the environment and the welfare of other sentient beings, or who are totally disinterested in religion. I have written this article to try to paint a more accurate picture of Humanism and to show that, unlike Griffiths, Humanism is not stuck in a time warp and I think its basic framework and vision gives us plenty of scope to respond to changing times.
Abstract: Ives, Rosslyn Review(s) of: How to talk about climate change in a way that makes a difference, by Rebecca Huntley, Murdoch Books, Sydney. 2020. $32.99.
Abstract: Bain, Kevin In the last few years, the rise of the political Far Right in Europe and in the USA has seen an increase in regressive values, with one of the major organising themes being around conflict, or perceptions of it, between national sovereignty and immigration.
Abstract: Love, Murray While holidaying in January this year, Murray Love, the editor of 'Australian Humanist', and his wife Fay, Secretary of HSNSW, visited Conway Hall just off Red Lion Square near Holborn station in London. The square is the site of a tribute to Bertrand Russell, with a bust of him as a young man.
Abstract: Adams, Phillip We are losing the battles, but can we win the war'
As a five-year-old I was desperate to find solace in this great cosmos that seemed so meaningless. Like everyone else, I suspect I tried to believe in God. I looked him up in the phone book and made calls, but always got no answer. I felt that God was a redundant notion.
Abstract: Love, Murray When, a few decades ago, the Chinese Communist Party switched China from Maoist revolutionary socialism to what looks to all the world like full-on capitalism, they named it "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics"!
Abstract: Love, Murray Review(s) of: Postmodern humanism: A rough guide to belief in the 21st century (book), BY Jack Grassby, Washington [England], TUPS Books, 2005.
Abstract: Dangerfield, Elizabeth Humanists consider that the methods used to gain scientific knowledge enable human understanding to grow and change rather than stagnate. Sometimes it is simply the way information is presented and assimilated, that can prompt a change in understanding.
Abstract: Storey, Lyndon; Love, Murray Australian Humanism had a powerful impact in the 1960s and 70s, but has been a receding force in recent decades. A better world, a better Australia, needs a better humanist movement, flourishing as a beacon of hope, reason and decency. We need to build a second wave of Australian Humanism focused on the issues of today.
Abstract: Bien, Victor Review(s) of: New power: How power works in our hyperconnected world - and how to make it work for you (book), by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms, Pan Macmillan Australia, 2018.
Abstract: Cattunar, Barbara Review(s) of: Man's search for meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust, by Victor E. Frankl, Rider, Great Britain, 2008.
Abstract: Brown, Bob This beautiful remembrance service shows how Humanists can still come together to mourn the loss of a loved one with dignity, and to celebrate their life with joy, even when separated by a terrible crisis.
Abstract: Hotchin, Peter I sometimes wonder how I might explain what Humanism is about to someone who is either barely aware of its existence or totally ignorant of it. I concur with the 'official' definitions, but, perhaps to my shame, I have never committed any of them to memory. Besides, I wanted to find my own way of expressing how I see it, as succinctly as possible. Here is what I came up with.
Abstract: Dangerfield, Elizabeth As Humanists we stand at a crossroad. If our secular, rational view of the world, our support for reason and scientific methodology and commitment to an evidence-based approach to policy development wins the day then humans may be able to successfully solve the problems that beset us. If we apply the strong ethical values of Humanism, such as compassion, altruism, social justice and open-mindedness, to address the pressing challenges we face we can ensure that every human being on Earth can live a good life and we should be able protect and sustain our biosphere. If Humanist values do not prevail then we will face an increasingly grim future.
Abstract: Storey, Lyndon Never before, with our lives turned upside down, has it been so clear how urgently we need to put our Humanist values into action if we are going to secure a future where everyone has access to a good quality of life and economic justice, and where human rights and the environment are protected. It is hard to imagine how we can expect to address any crisis without addressing these issues. As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic it only takes a short disruption to our normal way of doing things to threaten the livelihood, happiness, and health of millions of people. We are faced with many existential challenges today which are already devastating the most vulnerable and threats in the future from which none of us will be able to escape no matter how privileged we are, unless we act together for the common good.
Abstract: Cosgrove, Mary-Anne I've spent a lot of time thinking about my values. As a child, I was taught the Christian values of "love thy neighbour" and "do unto others". Growing up, as I learned more about science and mathematics, the unreason of religion and the hypocrisy of some religious people I knew drove me away from Christianity. Compassion and the desire to do the right thing by people stayed with me. It wasn't until 2015 (in my fifties) that I discovered the name for my system of values - Humanism.
Abstract: Tonson, Paul Two things often forgotten today are the depth of Protestant vs Catholic sectarianism in 20th century Australian life, and the long hard fight for secularism, now often taken for granted.
Abstract: Tonson, Paul On Thursday September 26, 2019 Humanists Victoria hosted a presentation by representatives of Sex Work Law Reform Victoria (SWLRV), each of whom is a sex worker.
Abstract: Reisch, Ambrose "Art, in effect, was no more or less than articulate power, the technical or intellectual analogy to the political power of the monarch and the divine power of the god. The historical importance of this equation cannot be overestimated. If one concept may be said to have integrated all the varied manifestations of Renaissance culture and given organic unity to the period, it was this definition of art as power." (Humanism, Art Science, Encyclopedia and Britannica)
Abstract: Love, Murray Is it ever rational to want to die'
Is it rational to want to live' Clearly yes! Clearly we can know our deepest desires. Whether or not you believe in an afterlife, we only actually know of one guaranteed life here on this planet - the one we're living now.
Abstract: Love, Murray In this article I discuss how we might take a first step on a long fruitful journey to national unity, simply by co-operating on a single national Humanist website.
Abstract: Cosgrove, Mary-Anne Since taking on the role of President of the Council of Australian Humanist Societies (now also known as Humanists Australia), I have been thinking about how CAHS/HA provides value to its members, and to the Humanist movement in Australia. Perhaps you have also wondered what exactly it is that CAHS does for you'
Abstract: Love, Murray Recently, Rosslyn Ives let me view some of the unused designs HSV had left over from the selection of their new logo for their new Humanists Victoria branding. These were designed by Leah Rolls in Queensland. One of Leah's designs stimulated my thinking in a direction my mind had been taking for a while. I am very thankful to Leah for starting my thinking in this direction.
Abstract: Tonson, Paul Chaplaincy was once almost entirely a Christian domain, and some held a proprietorial attitude towards it. Yet a new professional standard has been developed that can include anyone of a broad humanitarian outlook. This needs a new approach to the language used in the areas of chaplaincy and pastoral or spiritual care.
Abstract: Cosgrove, Mary-Anne Our second ever planning day on 23 June 2018 was an opportunity for members to gather together, identify their goals for the year, then prepare a prioritised list of actions to help progress those goals.
Abstract: Love, Murray The activities of the Humanist Society of NSW (HSNSW)centre on public events, held at our own Humanist House, and promoted through NSW Humanists Meetup, which now has over 2121 people signed up to receive publicity.
Abstract: Love, Murray This is a report on aspects of the new constitution for CAHS (Council of Australian Humanist Societies) now able to use an 'additional' name - Humanists Australia.
Abstract: Bower, Rod HSV has a large membership and financial base, but members are ageing. Not enough new people are coming to our programme of lectures and discussions. With new Committee members, and Strategic Planning, we intend to streamline our management, focussing on new activities of greater visibility in the wider community - attractive and responsive to potential new members. We will offset some of the challenge by paying for skilled help and for new tools. It makes no sense to just fade away, with a bundle of money still in the bank. If we can raise our profile, impact and numbers, new funds should arrive.
Abstract: Hoad, Deborah Two things that immediately attracted me to Humanism were its trust in people to shape the meaning and purpose of their lives and its rejection of dogma - of ideas seen as unchangeable "truth" that must not be challenged.
Abstract: Forman, Liz Liz Forman, Treasurer of the ACT Humanist Society (ACTHS), participated in the Structures and Methods Panel at the 2019 Humanist Convention. Her presentation focussed on a set of values which the ACTHS has agreed and articulated, to guide the behaviour used in addressing issues that might arise within the committee, or at any function held by the ACTHS.
Abstract: Bain, Kevin Review(s) of: Sex, drugs and the electoral roll: My unlikely journey from sex worker to member of Parliament (book), by Fiona Patten, Crows Nest, NSW, Allen and Unwin, 2018 - 366 pages.
Abstract: Ives, Rosslyn If we Humanists want to attract more members, especially younger ones, it is essential that when we talk about Humanism, we put a more central emphasis on an ethic of care towards Planet Earth - our home.
Abstract: Humanists UK backed up their concern for the UK Government to do more to protect global non-believers and to avoid actions which might be seen as legitimising denial of protection to minorities, especially non-believers, by presenting a harrowing description of the many cases of brutal mob violence, complicit police services and governments, and criminalisation of nonbelief around the world. Once again please be aware this is heavily abridged and not to be quoted as the opinions of Humanists UK. All figures quoted should be treated as approximate and not all events are dated. (For full document see URL reference on page 20).
Abstract: Reisch, Ambrose "When Colin Powell goes to the United Nations today to make his case for war with Saddam, the U.N. plans to throw a blue cover over Picasso's antiwar masterpiece, Guernica..." This 2003 New York Times quote demonstrates how powerful Art can be, embodying our most intrinsic human faculty - our humanity.
Abstract: Love, Murray A recent email from Humanists UK (formerly British Humanist Association) made me aware of a UK parliamentary inquiry on international Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB). I thought it would be of interest to Australian Humanists as a comparison to the state of affairs in Australia, where a highly distorted interpretation of FORB is playing out in our own political, and very possibly our legal, spheres.
The inquiry is conducted by the Foreign Affair Committee and examines the human rights programmes and priorities of the FCO (UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office), with a focus on FORB and the work of human rights defenders overseas.
This follows a 2018 announcement by their Foreign Secretary of an independent review into the persecution of Christians overseas, and a commitment by the FCO to strengthening its support for human rights defenders, and to making this more transparent in 2019.
The Committee sought written submissions on a number of questions which shall be outlined later, along with Humanist UK responses to the questions.
I took a look at the FCO website for some idea of their thinking. I didn't have time to dig for their actual administrative, political and diplomatic outcomes, but I was taken with an interesting set of guideline, which appear strongly influenced by EU standard. But do these guidelines actually get used in practice'
Abstract: Love, Murray This complete reworking of my Convention opening address is for those who weren't there, or who missed on bits of it at the time. While it looks to the future, much is concerned with a call to face the realities and limitations of the present, so we can see the need to rebuild a future.
Abstract: Storey, Lyndon Our world faces many issues; climate change; economic inequality; resurgent nationalism; personal alienation; and social isolation. Whether the Humanist movement becomes a significant part of tomorrow's world depends on our ability to generate answers to the questions of today and tomorrow. The inherent strength of humanist values comes from their basis in facts and reality, rather than fantasies of national, racial or heavenly glory, or absurdly narrow visions of human nature inspired by economic theories.
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