Why religion shouldn't enjoy special favour

Today's Leicester Mercury carries the final "First Person" column by Allan Haye, in his capacity as Humanist Chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Leicester.

I've enjoyed his contributions to the ongoing conversation of the city through these columns - indeed, I've posted most of them here. I can't say I've agreed with everything he's said in his columns, but I've tried to represent him uncensored here - and largely without making intrusive comments of my own, either in the blog or the printed or online editions of the Leicester Mercury.

On the occasions when Allan and I have discussed the merits of him having his own blog, he's said that he doesn't really see the point when I'm doing such a good job of representing his views in mine!

Maybe I should say that I've agreed with him more often than not - and that I agree with virtually everything he has to say in this final piece.

I'm sure it's not the last we'll hear from Allan (who is a director of Leicester Secular Society) in the pages of the Mercury. I look forward to meeting him again at the various places and events where our paths tend to cross: Amplifed Leicester; SACRE; Christians Aware Faith Awareness courses at Christchurch, Clarendon Park Road; and at Philosophy in the Pub at the Swan and Rushes.

Why religion shouldn't enjoy special favour 

Allan Hayes reflects on his year as humanist chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Leicester 

My year as Chaplain to the Lord Mayor has been an interesting and rewarding experience; meeting people from different communities has been a particular pleasure. The year started with some tension over the Civic Service in the cathedral. It proved impossible to agree on a way that I as a humanist could give a short address in what was a Christian service. As a consequence the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress and I felt unable to attend the event. 

The same problem could arise for any other non-Christian chaplain. This raises the obvious question: in a diverse city with people from a variety of religions and with many who do not belong to a religion, shouldn't a civic event be one in which we can all feel part and to which we can all contribute – a celebration of today's Leicester for all by all? I think so. 

I have tried to encourage dialogue and improve understanding by my letters and other activities. I am grateful to the Mercury for carrying these and to individuals and organisations that have helped. 

During the year there have been repeated attempts to pin words like "aggressive", "extreme" and "militant" on secularists and atheists and accuse them of trying to exclude religion from the public space: this is a dangerous tactic, but fortunately, we have largely avoided it in Leicester.

Secularists recognise that religions are important to many and should contribute to the public debate, but insist that this must be done openly and through the normal democratic process: religions should not be embedded in the state structure or specially privileged. We are joined in this view by many within the religions who favour a secular state.

However, while pursuing dialogue and understanding, we should not overlook the facts that are being created on the ground.

The urgent issue now to my mind is whether our schools will help our children grow up together or will separate them by religion. The new free schools can be proposed by a local group or an outside body and be approved by the Secretary of State with very little local consultation. For a start, a Hindu free school, eventually to take 420 pupils, is opening in Evington in September next to St Paul's Roman Catholic school. I am told that other free faith schools are being proposed in the city. Change could come quickly and could damage both community schools and social cohesion. My experience as humanist representative on the Leicester Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) shows me that most families are very happy with how our community schools deal with religion. I would ask that if they hear of proposals for faith schools they get in touch with local head teachers and discuss the situation.

 Read this article on the Leicester Mercury website, along with reader comments: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/religion-shouldn-t-enjoy-special-favour/article-3525744-detail/article.html

BBC RADIO LEICESTER: NOT ASHAMED

An unexpected phone call this morning from Jonathan Lampon, who hosts the 1200-1400 slot on BBC Radio Leicester. He leaves a message saying that he’s going to be talking about the “Not Ashamed” campaign on his show today and he’d like me to provide on inter faith response on air. Thank goodness I missed the call and he left a message because I have no idea what the “Not Ashamed” campaign is!

I call back and leave a message saying that I’d gladly speak about this – though not before I look up “Not Ashamed” online and speak to Julie-Ann Heath and Barry Naylor (my friends and contacts at the Cathedral), who give me a bit of a steer on the topic.

In the message I leave for Jonathan, I say that if I don’t hear from him by 1100, I’ll call back. I do so several times, but never get past his voicemail. But I’m not going to let thqat get in my way, faithful reader! Since BBC Radio Leicester is so close, I walk down there, arriving about 1150. I present my card at reception, introduce myself, explain why I’m there. I am shortly introduced to a couple of production staff, then ushered into the waiting room for the studio. I’m in there for 1200 and am told I’ll be on air just after 1230. Listening to the show, I’m surprised at the prominence that this topic is being given. I get the impression that religion or belief is not Jonathan’s specialist subject (he has a bit of trouble pronouncing “Bahá'í” when he’s listing religions followed locally on air – it comes out something different both times he tries. When it comes to doing the same list again later in the programme, he leaves that one out). When he emerges from the studio to introduce himself, I ask if he knows that we’ve just had National Inter Faith Week, with our exhibition in Highcross. When he says he knew nothing about it, I show him a few photos on my phone.

Jonathan helps me settle in and has me put on the studio headphones ("cans" as we call thm in the profession) to check for level. He explains that I don't have to keep them on during the broadcast, which reduces the Allan Partridge vibe I'm getting into.

Shortly after 1230, Allan Hayes (of the Secular Society) arrives. We’ll be sharing this slot. That’s appropriate, since the “Not Ashamed” campaign seems to be a response to the perceived marginalisation of Christianity on two fronts: increasing secularisation of society and the plurality of faiths in modern Britain. Allan is asked to comment on the former; I, the latter. Jonathan’s questions are fair and don’t go for the lowest common denominator, as often happens in these situations. It’s a very convivial and civilised quarter of an hour (things usually are when Allan and I meet up). There’s certainly no sense of conflict between the two of us. Hopefully, Allan and I will meet up later this evening at Philosophy in the Pub in the Swan and Rushes, Infirmary Square. I make sure that gets mentioned on air too.

Philosophy in the Pub (4)

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's the regular meeting of Philosophy in the Pub (PIPs) at the Swan and Rushes, Infirmary Square. A decent-sized group (seven) this evening, we are given as our stimulus a letter that appeared in the Leicester Mercury yesterday about the demonstration by the English Defence League and counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism this coming Saturday in Leicester. Not sure whether this works or not. For the first time in all the months we've been doing this, I'm wary of talking about this issue in public. It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that some other patron in the bar might come by and tip a pint over someone's head during our discussion. We normally have a good few laughs in these sessions, but there are precious few on offer tonight.

Allan and Mike are here from the Secular Society. Mike's the one liaising with the Police about Saturday's events. How ironic that this demonstration, arising from protests against supposed Islamic extremism, will be taking place virtually on the doorstep of Secular Hall - the first venue of its kind in the world, a living monument to the necessity of free speech, but which will be boarded up for its own safety come Saturday.

Philosophy in the Pub

At the Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square, this evening for Philosphy in the Pub (PIPS), which takes place there on the first Wednesday of every month. Each meeting is based around a stimulus. The stimulus this time is chosen by Clare, who facilitates with a typically light and gentle touch. We're each given a photocopied page from a book by Michael Leunig, the Australian artist, cartoonist, humorist, philosopher (and much else besides). The page has six cartoons with captions (or six short texts with illustrations), prompting an hour of reflection and discussion. the main point, I'd say, is that we have a natural tendency, desire or need to join things which are possibly (or probably) disconnected - to make a big story out of smaller elements. Normally, our stimulus is text-based. It's a refreshing change to have something mostly visual. there's even discussion about having a stimulus that works with other senses at future meetings.

Of course this would all make better sense if I could reproduce the page from Michael Leunig's book here, here, but I can't, for copyright reasons. Michael Leunig is an acquired taste - but one I'm glad to have acquired. Something about his melancholic yet resilient take on life speaks very directly to me. And he makes me see, think and laugh about the most unlikely things. Much of his writing and drawing has a spiritual theme; indeed, he has published illustrated prayers, in which a cartoonist talks to God. Promotion for his books tells how, in 1989, Leunig began an experiment. Asked to produce a weekly cartoon for the Australian newspaper, Sunday Age, he wondered, "if newspapers might carry some small spiritual message of consolation as a tiny reparation for the enormous anxiety and distress they can create." Since then, two published collections, A Common Prayer and The Prayer Tree have brought his unique humour and intriguing drawings to a wide public across the world. (adapted from copy on the HarperCollins Austalia website)

If you've not encountered Micahel Leunig before, faithful reader, then I'd urge you to check him out. The early moments may be a bit bumpy, but your patient acquaintance with him will definitely be rewarded.

Find out more about Michael Leunig:
http://www.leunig.com.au/

Find out more about Philosophy in Pubs all over the country:
http://www.philosophyinpubs.org.uk/INDEX/index.asp

Find out more about the Swan & Rushes:
http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/

Citizens' Eye Community News Cafe (3)

For the second Tuesday evening in a row, I'm at Kona Blue Coffee, Highcross, for one of Citizens' Eye Community News Cafes (every Tuesday here, 0930-1030 and 1830-1930). I'm told that this morning's was very busy - this evening is quiet. Topics arising tonight: future events including Philosophy in the Pub, Local Democracy Week, Leicester City of Sanctuary AGM, Leicestershire Cares Day for the Homeless, National Inter Faith Week 2010 ... but the one vexing Simon Parker most is Leicester's celebration of National Play Day, which takes place tomorrow in Town Hall Square. He's been left in charge of the young reports from The Wave who are covering this event. Must make sure I get a good swatch at that out of my office window!

I know that this would be a much nicer blog entry if it was accompanied by a photo. I did ask folk to gather round so I could take one, but they demurred.

Find out more about Citizens' Eye Community News Agency:
http://www.citizenseye.org/

chance encounter

Walking down Market Street at lunchtime, I see Allan Hayes and Eleanor Davison at a table outside Mirch Masala. Given the pleasant afternoon weather, the time of day and our common areas of interest, I take the opportunity to sit a spell. I've known Allen virtually since I took up my post three years ago, having met him and spoken with him at many events, meetings and occasions - both in formal terms and at occasions such as the monthly "Philosophy in the Pub" sessions at the Swan and Rushes. Although I've also seen Eleanor many times and am well aware of her splendid reputation, we've somehow never had the chance to introduce ourselves to each other. Eleanor is serving as Lady Mayoress this year; Allen is Chaplain to the Lord Mayor. Their roles - and the prominence given to the Lord Mayor's own beliefs - have been the topic of much debate in the local media and among the great and the good of the city. I am glad I have the chance today to reassure them both that the Council of Faiths is taking a balanced position in this discussion - that we are not an enemy to freedom of thought and expression.

For several years Eleanor has been an accredited Humanist Celebrant, who conducts non-religious weddings and funerals. Our conversation ends with Eleanor asking if Clare and I are going to have a Humanist wedding ceremony in the autumn. You know, faithful reader, for some reason or other, I'd never thought of this.
 
Read an interesting interview with Eleanor about her role as a Humanist Chaplain in Leicester hospitals:
http://www.humanism.org.uk/_uploads/documents/chaplaincy-for-web.pdf

Philosophy in the Pub

To the Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square, this evening,  for the regular monthly meeting of Philosophy in the Pub (PIPS). Lezley is facilitating and has chosen the stimulus - an article from today's Guardian entitled "This town has been sold to Tesco". Stalwarts Alan, Mike and Harry (all from Secular Society) are here and we're joined by Don, a visitor from Tennessee who's doing some ICT-related work at nearby De Montfort University. Alastair (my firstborn) and I make up the numbers.

Find out more about Philosophy in Pubs all over the country:
http://www.philosophyinpubs.org.uk/INDEX/index.asp

Find out more about the Swan and Rushes:
http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/

Philosophy in the Pub

Philosophy in the Pub this evening at the Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square. Our theme is "Forgive and/or Forget", in connection with which religion, faith or belief come up often, as you can imagine faitful reader.

We make the most of things, but there are just five of us here this evening; the snow, ice and wind might not have kept people away from CreativeCoffee Club in the morning but undoubtedly they've persuaded folk to stay home tonight.

CreativeCoffee Club: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

First meeting of CreativeCoffee Club for 2010, at Phoenix Square Film and Digital Media Centre. I thought that this morning's snow might put off potential attendees: it almost did me! But there are at least as many people here as there had been at the previous meeting, late December last year. I'm glad I've come.

I have an interesting conversation with Marie Allen, a writer and artist whom I met briefly last summer. Marie offers coaching in personal creativity. She and her husband, Doug, are active members of Transition Leicester, part of the Transition Network, which is working to prepare for a society after peak oil. She and I spoke about the relation between religious or spiritual principles and this kind of work. She's very knowledgeable about Buddhism; I spoke with her about Jainism and its relevance to our current environmental dilemma. We find we have one particular thing in common: we'd both been to audiences with the Dalai Lama - she at Nottingham Arena last year, I at Glasgow City Halls back in 1983 (an occasion so dim and distant that I can't even find any reference to it when I google it!). We both remembered one specific thing that he'd said at each of these meetings, which had stayed strongly with us both, respectively, ever since.

Also a useful chat with Ben Ravilious of Ultimate Web Design and Campaign Director of Leicester Civic Society. Ben's part of the Amplified Leicester project (which, every time I hear about it, I more thoroughly regret not having been able to enrol on it). He was musing on possible outcomes from Amplified Leicester, one being the establishment of an informal group of "ambassadors" for the city. He's just tossing this idea around just now, finding out who else might be interested. I like this and hope to talk with him more about it before long.

ANTARES

It's Philosophy in Pubs (PIPS) at the Swan and Rushes, Infirmary Square this evening. The theme of our enquiry is “Exploration Unlimited” and the stimulus is a poster of Apollo 14’s LEM (which was called Antares) on the surface of the moon. I once met the man who flew that Lunar Module to the surface of the moon: Edgar D Mitchell (on the right of the photo, above). He was the sixth man to walk on the moon. I met him briefly in 1991 at an inter-faith conference in London hosted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. He was one of several speakers that day. Others included John Cleese, who read from Sogyal Rinpoche's Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and managed to make us all laugh by emphasising the contrast between the view of life described in that introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and the self-centred materialism of our Western ways; Hayley Mills (who was a childhood heroine of mine, having starred in Swiss Family Robinson, the first movie I ever went to see in the cinema - at the Tivoli in Crow Road, Partick); and Clarke Peters, Master of Ceremonies, sashaying on and off stage in his white suit and white shoes (a hard look for mere mortals to carry off, but he was the very quintessence of style). He had become well known then for having written the book for the hit West End musical Five Guys Named Moe. He went on more than a decade later to star as Detective Lester Freamon in The Wire, hailed by a host of critics as the greatest ever TV show. So there were a good few people gathered there who had been, were then, or would go on to be, influential figures in my life.

During the evening programme, Edgar Mitchell popped out to have a cigarette (these were the days when you could smoke in public buildings. He was in the lobby of the conference venue smoking alone and I had gone to the loo. As a child of the space age, I ate, breathed and slept the whole space programme. I was just the right age to be swept up in it – I was nine when Apollo 11 went to the moon. Yes, lots of kids from that time were fascinated by the space race, but as an adult, it’s never left me (even very recently, when I bought a blu-ray player, the first disc I bought to watch on it was In the Shadow of the Moon, a documentary featuring interviews with virtually every surviving Apollo astronaut. I remember being in the loo, just awestruck by the fact that one of my childhood heroes was standing just outside. More than anything, I just wanted to be able to get back out there before he finished that cigarette. When I got outside, I managed to get a moment alone with him. I said the kind of thing he must have heard a thousand times (and I told him that I knew he’s have heard it a thousand times), but it didn’t matter to me right then. I had my bag with me, and in it I had a copy of a book I’d recently been working on and that had just been published, Meditations of the Blessed Beauty (a compilation about the splendour of God from the writings of Baha’u’llah). I gave him a copy, just to try and pay him back some small something for what he and his colleagues had given to my world. After Mitchell returned from the moon, he dedicated his efforts to promoting different aspects of the paranormal: ESP, remote viewing, global consciousness, UFOs and alien contact. Mitchell is a prominent supporter of the Campaign for the Establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly - which would be a first step towards a "world parliament". While I wouldn’t claim to be on message with all these, I've long found it interesting how many astronauts turn to some form of spirituality after their exploits beyond the earth.

Clare is facilitating this session of PIPS; after the meeting, she gives me the poster – that's nice of her!