Voting delegates of the 2025 General Assembly of Humanist International representing members and associates from across the world. A group of people (around 100) seated in an auditorium, photographed from the stage.

“Humanism must be a beacon in the storm”: Our CEO’s election address to the board of Humanists International

July 15, 2025

Our Charity

Earlier this month, our CEO Fraser Sutherland was elected to the board of Humanists International. In his election address to the general assembly, Fraser emphasised the need for humanism to stand firm in the face of rising global authoritarianism.

“Friends,

“We are living through a dangerous moment in history.

“Across the world, strongman leaders are rising — those who use violence, fear, and nationalism to enforce their will. They target minorities, silence dissent, and dismantle the institutions that uphold human rights and democracy. From the persecution of atheists and freethinkers, to the rollback of reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections, this is not just an attack on individuals — it is an attack on the very idea of a shared, rules-based system.

“In the face of this, humanism is more than just a set of values. It is a vital act of resistance.

“Humanism insists that people, not gods, hold moral responsibility. That truth is not dictated by scripture or state propaganda. That compassion and reason, not power and violence, must guide our politics.

“Humanists International must be a beacon in this storm. We must be unapologetic in our defence of secularism, relentless in our support for human rights, and proactive in building solidarity across borders.

Fraser speaking at a lectern with a Humanists International banner to the right. — FRASER GIVING HIS ELECTION ADDRESS AT HUMANISTS INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

“In Scotland, we’ve shown what’s possible for national member organisations. Humanist weddings now outnumber all religious ceremonies combined. The most recent census shows we are a majority non-religious country. We’ve abolished our blasphemy law. We’ve built popular support for inclusive education and assisted dying. These weren’t just policy wins — they were cultural shifts, made possible by organised and visible humanism.

“We need to replicate that momentum across the world with our members and help them grow. To support new humanist groups. To amplify our voice at international institutions. And to confront rising authoritarianism — not with fear, but with courage, with clarity, and with unity.

“Because if we don’t fight for humanist values now, we risk losing the very freedoms we hold most dear.

“Thank you — and I ask for your support.”

Fraser Sutherland, July 2025.

Title Image: Voting delegates of the 2025 General Assembly of Humanist International. Fraser on the far right.

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