This image shows the meeting house at Sussex University in England, the first university meeting place whose appointed religious representative is a humanist. It is a large cylindrical building with an alternating pattern of concrete blocks and square coloured-glass panels that let in light. I has a green, conical roof.

Humanist Society contributes to new Faith and Belief Engagement Strategy

March 21, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland was delighted to contribute to Scottish Government’s new Faith and Belief Engagement Strategy, which launches today. The strategy offers a newly accurate understanding of faith and belief across Scotland. This will inform policy development. It’s also about improving systems of communication and engagement with faith and belief groups, and developing interfaith and multi-faith approaches to community cohesion.

We were really pleased that ministers wanted to hear from Scotland’s non-religious community in this discussion around engagement with belief groups and policy development. This new strategy also better reflects the need to engage with a wider diversity of smaller faith groups.
Humanist Society Scotland CEO Fraser Sutherland

Historically, discussions between government and faith groups in Scotland have focused on the largest Christian denominations. Of course, these groups will continue to play an important role. But we welcome this new strategy which reflects Scotland’s increasingly secular profile and the diversity of its faith and belief communities.

As humanists we will continue to speak up for our values, ensuring that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. We will engage with the government on the importance of bodily autonomy, freedom of expression, secularism, and protecting and strengthening democracy.

Read the new Faith and Belief Engagement Strategy