BHA welcomes news that Bideford Council has scrapped prayers

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today welcomed the news that Bideford Council has ceased the practice of holding Christian prayers at the beginning of council meetings. The local Humanist group in Devon has been actively campaigning for all local councils to end this practice, with the backing of the BHA. Bideford Council meetings will now start with a short silence for reflection rather than a prayer.

BHA Local Campaigns Officer, Pepper Harow, commented, “This is good news for all people in Bideford. The council now has practices which are inclusive and do not exclude people of other religions or those of none. There is no longer a barrier to participation and this should encourage a wide range of people to become involved in local democracy.”

She continued, “This can be seen as part of a positive trend as local councils become generally more inclusive. For example, in Pendle in Lancashire, the Mayor has chosen to ignore the traditional appointing of a mayor’s chaplain and subsequent religious church service on the first Sunday of the mayoral year. Instead, she invited a local humanist to suggest a format for an inclusive celebration. Such moves are to be welcomed.”

Notes

For further comment or information, contact Pepper Harow on 020 7462 4992

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.

Devon Humanists support and represent Humanists in Devon and provide opportunities to discuss Humanist topics and to meet socially. http://www.humanism.org.uk/meet-up/groups/south-west/devon