National Secular Society

From Srafopedia

The National Secular Society (NSS) is a British organisation that promotes secularism. It was founded by Charles Bradlaugh in 1866. The society is a member organisation of the International Humanist and Ethical Union.

Although in many respects the NSS is similar to the British Humanist Association, it places more emphasis on striving for political and sociological objectives and does not provide local support for non-religious ceremonies. However, it is common for individuals to be members of both organisations.

On its website, the NSS states:

Those of us who value reason are becoming alarmed about the increasingly extreme religious influence in our government, our lawmakers, and our public institutions - especially in our education system. Many people, while standing up for freedom of religion, and freedom not to believe, feel that the proper place for religion is in the place of worship or home. They see the danger of religion becoming too politically ambitious. The NSS is a rallying point for opposition to this religious resurgence. We must convince our politicians and public servants - as well as our friends, neighbours and colleagues - that our institutions and public life should be secular. A secular state should guarantee freedom of conscience, but eliminate religious privilege.