Andrew Copson
@andrewcopson.bsky.social
Humanist. Midlander. Liberal. Xennial. Quondam Classicist. Chief Executive @humanists.uk | Ambassador @humanists.bsky.social
Pinned
ECHR at 75: ‘One of our greatest achievements, following one of our greatest tragedies’ | Andrew Copson
Today marks 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a creation born from the highest aspirations of human civilisation: that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserves equa...
humanists.uk
'One of our greatest achievements, following one of our greatest tragedies’: my new blog post on the anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights #ECHR humanists.uk/2025/11/04/e...
Indian nationalist leader, politician, & statesman, Jawaharlal Nehru, was born #onthisday, 1889. A humanist & secularist, Nehru’s vision for India was marked by a commitment to secularism, democracy, & social justice.
Here he is on the cover of 'The Humanist' (now @newhumanist.bsky.social), 1964.
Here he is on the cover of 'The Humanist' (now @newhumanist.bsky.social), 1964.
November 14, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Indian nationalist leader, politician, & statesman, Jawaharlal Nehru, was born #onthisday, 1889. A humanist & secularist, Nehru’s vision for India was marked by a commitment to secularism, democracy, & social justice.
Here he is on the cover of 'The Humanist' (now @newhumanist.bsky.social), 1964.
Here he is on the cover of 'The Humanist' (now @newhumanist.bsky.social), 1964.
Fantastic All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group mtg last night with MPs & peers hearing directly from @humanists.uk celebrants, pastoral carers, school speakers, dialogue network members, Faith to Faithless volunteers, & local group leaders. Wonderful people providing vital community services.
MPs and peers celebrate humanists’ contribution to the community
Yesterday humanist MPs and peers met to celebrate humanists’ contribution to the community as the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) heard directly from celebrants, pastoral carers, school...
humanists.uk
November 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Fantastic All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group mtg last night with MPs & peers hearing directly from @humanists.uk celebrants, pastoral carers, school speakers, dialogue network members, Faith to Faithless volunteers, & local group leaders. Wonderful people providing vital community services.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
An inclusive RE on the National Curriculum would guarantee every child an academically rigorous, contemporary, and genuinely deep and meaningful education about religions and worldviews. It's about preparing the next generation to navigate a diverse, complex world with empathy & critical thinking.
Why celebrate a reformed, inclusive RE on the National Curriculum?
Religious Education (RE) can, when taught well and reflecting the full diversity of beliefs in modern Britain, be one of the most transformative subjects a young person studies. That’s why the landmar...
humanists.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
An inclusive RE on the National Curriculum would guarantee every child an academically rigorous, contemporary, and genuinely deep and meaningful education about religions and worldviews. It's about preparing the next generation to navigate a diverse, complex world with empathy & critical thinking.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Our current law forces loving partners into a legal limbo after supporting a clear, autonomous wish. It's an inhumane system that prosecutes compassion. Parliament should act decisively to end this ordeal for families.
A widow whose husband died at Dignitas says she has now 'found peace'
Louise Shackleton watched her husband's 'beautiful death' in Dignitas as the Lords once again debate Bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request an assisted death
www.mirror.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Our current law forces loving partners into a legal limbo after supporting a clear, autonomous wish. It's an inhumane system that prosecutes compassion. Parliament should act decisively to end this ordeal for families.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
On #WorldKindnessDay, perhaps we could all be a little more #Confucius.
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
On #WorldKindnessDay, perhaps we could all be a little more #Confucius.
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
An inclusive RE on the National Curriculum would guarantee every child an academically rigorous, contemporary, and genuinely deep and meaningful education about religions and worldviews. It's about preparing the next generation to navigate a diverse, complex world with empathy & critical thinking.
Why celebrate a reformed, inclusive RE on the National Curriculum?
Religious Education (RE) can, when taught well and reflecting the full diversity of beliefs in modern Britain, be one of the most transformative subjects a young person studies. That’s why the landmar...
humanists.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
An inclusive RE on the National Curriculum would guarantee every child an academically rigorous, contemporary, and genuinely deep and meaningful education about religions and worldviews. It's about preparing the next generation to navigate a diverse, complex world with empathy & critical thinking.
Our current law forces loving partners into a legal limbo after supporting a clear, autonomous wish. It's an inhumane system that prosecutes compassion. Parliament should act decisively to end this ordeal for families.
A widow whose husband died at Dignitas says she has now 'found peace'
Louise Shackleton watched her husband's 'beautiful death' in Dignitas as the Lords once again debate Bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request an assisted death
www.mirror.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Our current law forces loving partners into a legal limbo after supporting a clear, autonomous wish. It's an inhumane system that prosecutes compassion. Parliament should act decisively to end this ordeal for families.
On #WorldKindnessDay, perhaps we could all be a little more #Confucius.
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
November 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
On #WorldKindnessDay, perhaps we could all be a little more #Confucius.
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
‘Is there one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.’
Reposted by Andrew Copson
It's #WorldKindnessDay! This quote from our patron Stephen Fry says it all. 🥰
November 13, 2025 at 10:54 AM
It's #WorldKindnessDay! This quote from our patron Stephen Fry says it all. 🥰
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Another great humanist quote for #WorldKindnessDay!
Humanist and author Kurt Vonnegut was born on this day 1922.
Here's Kurt on the humanist approach to life, as featured in #TheLittleBookofHumanism ❤️
Here's Kurt on the humanist approach to life, as featured in #TheLittleBookofHumanism ❤️
November 13, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Another great humanist quote for #WorldKindnessDay!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Journalist James Bloodworth takes us inside the 'manosphere' in this year's #HolyoakeLecture – exploring masculinity, misogyny, and online radicalization. 4 December in Manchester. humanists.uk/events/holyo...
Lost boys: a personal journey through the manosphere, with James Bloodworth | Holyoake Lecture 2025
In an era of profound social and political shifts, old certainties about masculinity have been swept away, leaving a vacuum that, for some, has been filled by a sprawling and sinister collection of…
humanists.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Journalist James Bloodworth takes us inside the 'manosphere' in this year's #HolyoakeLecture – exploring masculinity, misogyny, and online radicalization. 4 December in Manchester. humanists.uk/events/holyo...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Faith schools in the UK are a problem. As @profaliceroberts.bsky.social says here, every child deserves the chance to explore the world through evidence and reason. But the divisive and discriminatory nature of faith schools is failing thousands of children. 🧵
www.justgiving.com/page/nofaith...
www.justgiving.com/page/nofaith...
November 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Faith schools in the UK are a problem. As @profaliceroberts.bsky.social says here, every child deserves the chance to explore the world through evidence and reason. But the divisive and discriminatory nature of faith schools is failing thousands of children. 🧵
www.justgiving.com/page/nofaith...
www.justgiving.com/page/nofaith...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Religion asks for submission, faith, devotion.
Humanism asks us to inquire, think, question.
Here’s philosopher A C Grayling on the humanist approach to life.
Humanism asks us to inquire, think, question.
Here’s philosopher A C Grayling on the humanist approach to life.
November 12, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Religion asks for submission, faith, devotion.
Humanism asks us to inquire, think, question.
Here’s philosopher A C Grayling on the humanist approach to life.
Humanism asks us to inquire, think, question.
Here’s philosopher A C Grayling on the humanist approach to life.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Today we celebrate the words and imagination of Stan Lee, who died #OnThisDay in 2018. Here's to you, Stan. Excelsior!
November 12, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Today we celebrate the words and imagination of Stan Lee, who died #OnThisDay in 2018. Here's to you, Stan. Excelsior!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
An 1849 humanist naming ceremony conducted by none other than George Holyoake – the man who coined the term 'secularism'.
Humanist ceremonies are not a new thing. Far from it.
This one dates back to 1849, and was conducted by the man who coined the term 'Secularism' George Holyoake.
Very cool #HumanistHeritage, and the description of the ceremony itself is quite entertaining.
heritage.humanists.uk/naming-of-ma...
This one dates back to 1849, and was conducted by the man who coined the term 'Secularism' George Holyoake.
Very cool #HumanistHeritage, and the description of the ceremony itself is quite entertaining.
heritage.humanists.uk/naming-of-ma...
Humanist Heritage: From the archives: Naming of Mazzini Truelove
On 11 November 1849, at the Literary and Scientific Institution, 23 John Street (now Whitfield Street), London, George Jacob Holyoake […]
heritage.humanists.uk
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
An 1849 humanist naming ceremony conducted by none other than George Holyoake – the man who coined the term 'secularism'.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Some good news from the US!
Supreme Court declines to revisit landmark same-sex marriage precedent | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court on Monday declined an opportunity to overturn its landmark precedent recognizing a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, tossing aside an appeal that had roiled LGBTQ advocates ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Some good news from the US!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Excellent news!
Great! Now for Westminster. Having 26 bishops with automatic voting rights as a special privilege because of the CofE's place in our constitution is a hangover from 14th century medieval England. In a modern democracy, no religious group should have reserved seats. humanists.uk/2025/11/05/b...
November 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Excellent news!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
If you're not familiar with his work, my top Kurt Vonnegut recommendations are 'The Sirens of Titan' and 'Cat's Cradle' #KurtVonnegut
November 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
If you're not familiar with his work, my top Kurt Vonnegut recommendations are 'The Sirens of Titan' and 'Cat's Cradle' #KurtVonnegut
Reposted by Andrew Copson
The wonderful writer and humanist #KurtVonnegut was born #OnThisDay, 1922. His enduring advice on living well remains as relevant as ever. Featured in the #littlebookofhumanism @thealiceroberts.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The wonderful writer and humanist #KurtVonnegut was born #OnThisDay, 1922. His enduring advice on living well remains as relevant as ever. Featured in the #littlebookofhumanism @thealiceroberts.bsky.social
An 1849 humanist naming ceremony conducted by none other than George Holyoake – the man who coined the term 'secularism'.
Humanist ceremonies are not a new thing. Far from it.
This one dates back to 1849, and was conducted by the man who coined the term 'Secularism' George Holyoake.
Very cool #HumanistHeritage, and the description of the ceremony itself is quite entertaining.
heritage.humanists.uk/naming-of-ma...
This one dates back to 1849, and was conducted by the man who coined the term 'Secularism' George Holyoake.
Very cool #HumanistHeritage, and the description of the ceremony itself is quite entertaining.
heritage.humanists.uk/naming-of-ma...
Humanist Heritage: From the archives: Naming of Mazzini Truelove
On 11 November 1849, at the Literary and Scientific Institution, 23 John Street (now Whitfield Street), London, George Jacob Holyoake […]
heritage.humanists.uk
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
An 1849 humanist naming ceremony conducted by none other than George Holyoake – the man who coined the term 'secularism'.
Some good news from the US!
Supreme Court declines to revisit landmark same-sex marriage precedent | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court on Monday declined an opportunity to overturn its landmark precedent recognizing a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, tossing aside an appeal that had roiled LGBTQ advocates ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Some good news from the US!
The wonderful writer and humanist #KurtVonnegut was born #OnThisDay, 1922. His enduring advice on living well remains as relevant as ever. Featured in the #littlebookofhumanism @thealiceroberts.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The wonderful writer and humanist #KurtVonnegut was born #OnThisDay, 1922. His enduring advice on living well remains as relevant as ever. Featured in the #littlebookofhumanism @thealiceroberts.bsky.social
Excellent news!
Great! Now for Westminster. Having 26 bishops with automatic voting rights as a special privilege because of the CofE's place in our constitution is a hangover from 14th century medieval England. In a modern democracy, no religious group should have reserved seats. humanists.uk/2025/11/05/b...
November 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Excellent news!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Every subscription to New Humanist includes access to our 140-year archive, featuring original contributions from such iconic thinkers as Iris Murdoch, Bertrand Russell and Philip Larkin.
Subscribe today, from just £10: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe
Subscribe today, from just £10: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe
Subscribe to New Humanist
A beautiful, thought-provoking magazine delivered to your door every quarter.
newhumanist.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Every subscription to New Humanist includes access to our 140-year archive, featuring original contributions from such iconic thinkers as Iris Murdoch, Bertrand Russell and Philip Larkin.
Subscribe today, from just £10: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe
Subscribe today, from just £10: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Alongside my poppy at the cenotaph this year, I’ll be wearing the red triangle to remember the liberation 80 years ago of humanists who were held in the camps wearing this badge like other political opponents of fascism. We must have courage to stand against fascism and for freedom in every age.
November 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Alongside my poppy at the cenotaph this year, I’ll be wearing the red triangle to remember the liberation 80 years ago of humanists who were held in the camps wearing this badge like other political opponents of fascism. We must have courage to stand against fascism and for freedom in every age.