What is a humanist ceremony?
Firstly it's best to give a brief definition of Humanism, as provided by the British Humanist Association
'Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.'
It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speeches, poetry, music, song, celebration meal and dancing. People have always needed to mark the important times in their lives, and to commemorate the lives of people when they die.
People who are not religious or describe themselves as Humanists like to celebrate too!, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe, which do not fit with their way of seeing the world.
There are no special rules or observances that non-religious people have to keep: they are not obliged to attend any kind of service, or have any ceremony beyond basic legal requirements, but there are humanist ceremonies for those who would like to mark special occasions. Some people call these alternative ceremonies, however these are becoming more and more the norm. Sometimes families of mixed religious beliefs choose a humanist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content.
'Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.'
It is natural to want to celebrate the most important events in life with a special ceremony, usually involving speeches, poetry, music, song, celebration meal and dancing. People have always needed to mark the important times in their lives, and to commemorate the lives of people when they die.
People who are not religious or describe themselves as Humanists like to celebrate too!, but prefer to do so in non-religious ceremonies, where they will not find themselves saying things they do not believe, which do not fit with their way of seeing the world.
There are no special rules or observances that non-religious people have to keep: they are not obliged to attend any kind of service, or have any ceremony beyond basic legal requirements, but there are humanist ceremonies for those who would like to mark special occasions. Some people call these alternative ceremonies, however these are becoming more and more the norm. Sometimes families of mixed religious beliefs choose a humanist ceremony because they can all agree on the non-religious, personal content.
I trained with the British Humanist Association, and as a fully trained Humanist Celebrant, which involves working with members of the public, I have undertaken the CRB Police check.
Bill Dawson, Humanist Celebrant based in Liverpool
e.mail: [email protected] | mobile: 07814 910 286 | Telephone: 0151 228 6552 | Skype: billhumanist
Non-religious ceremonies: weddings/civil partnerships, baby namings, funerals and other ceremonies in Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, North West of England and abroad.
Alternative ceremonies
Copyright: Bill Dawson 2022
e.mail: [email protected] | mobile: 07814 910 286 | Telephone: 0151 228 6552 | Skype: billhumanist
Non-religious ceremonies: weddings/civil partnerships, baby namings, funerals and other ceremonies in Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, North West of England and abroad.
Alternative ceremonies
Copyright: Bill Dawson 2022