A voice for the godless

Humanism has a new leader – and a big challenge

The appointment of Shappi Khorsandi as president of the British Humanist Association (BHA) is welcome news. As a writer, broadcaster and comedian of real substance, Khorsandi will bring a renewed focus to humanism and perhaps help many people realise that the values and principles they stand for are well-described by the humanist world view.

Indeed, a higher profile for the BHA might also aid the debate on multiculturalism and plurality in British civic society. That discussion is frequently seen primarily through the prism of religion, which is understandable perhaps, but fails to consider the occasionally distinctive (but often exaggerated) divide not between different religious faiths, but between those who are religious and those who are not.

All too often that split is presented as relating to materialism and modernity – supposedly shunned by the holy and embraced with selfish greed by non-believing secularists. Such a narrative is obviously simplistic to the point of being daft, and probably offensive to all concerned.

It also emphasises points of difference when areas of similarity are often more in evidence. At a time when many in Britain – both religious and secular – are struggling with a sense of identity, that seems eminently counterproductive. A Win/Gallup survey earlier this year found that 30 per cent of Britons describe themselves as “religious”, while 13 per cent say they are “atheist”. There are evidently a lot left who are either not sure where they stand, or who simply do not know how best to describe their beliefs.

The BHA can provide a structure for those who live ethical, fulfilling lives but do not believe in a God, by placing humanity at the centre of their belief system. In Khorsandi, the association has a spokesperson who can represent the views of those people effectively in key areas of public debate.