The Military Celebrant

05/07/2024

In the run-up to the general election, several newspapers published stories saying that Keir Starmer would be the UK’s ‘first atheist Prime Minister’ – but as we pointed out at the time, that simply was not true!

Keir Starmer says his morality is based on a belief in 'irreducible human dignity'.

We've written up a brief run-through of all SEVEN non-religious PMs in British history, plus a few other big names in UK political history who were self-described humanists, atheists, agnostics, or non-believers.

(Article linked in comments)

20/06/2024

A lovely send off for a former naval officer yesterday at The Oaks, Havant Crematorium working with A G Stapleford & Sons Funeral Directors.
He saw service around the globe including the previous HMS Protector. It was great to see his Crossing the Antarctic Circle or ‘Blue Nose’ certificate from Neptune 🔱 and photos of his many other adventures.

03/06/2024

A fabulous charity to volunteer with. Everyone makes a difference, every day.

14/03/2024

Choosing a humanist ceremony means that you can add unique and personal touches to your wedding, so that your special day is as full of romance as you would like! Led by a humanist celebrant your non-religious ceremony will focus on your personal story celebrating your relationship, commitment, and....

28/02/2024

Did you know that one of our Living Well Services is a Veterans & Serving Personnel Support Group for anyone who has served in any of the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy?

The Living Well Centre supports Veterans and Serving Personnel who are living with or caring for someone with a life-limiting illness, or who have been bereaved from a life-limiting illness.

This group is proudly supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital.

If you would like to attend one of these groups, please contact our Living Well Services team on [email protected] or 023 9224 8011.

30/11/2023

Very proud to have been part of this activity…

We've made history this morning.

For the very first time, the Ministry of Defence announced it will recruit non-religious pastoral support officers. The intention is to recruit three staff members – one each for the Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force.

With 40% of Armed Forces personnel defining themselves as having no religion, rising to 50% among younger personnel, there is a clear and an increasing need for humanist pastoral care.

This simply means more people getting the care they need, when they need it. Full story in comments.

24/10/2023

Another and a chance to wear my new, very funky suit!

24/10/2023

Remembrance 2023 Register Now November 11th, 2023 10:00 -- 12:30 This annual Remembrance event is now in its ninth year. Co-hosted by Defence Humanists (a Section of Humanists UK) and Humanists and Non-religious in Defence (HAND) Network (a Ministry of Defence (MoD) employee support network), .....

25/08/2023

Bit of fun checking out Old Thorns Hotel & Resort today for a service wedding in October. Couldn’t view the room today so Master MC and I tested the waffles instead - proof that time spent on reconnaissance is rarely wasted 👍🏻🧇

22/06/2023

18/06/2023

Today I had the pleasure of conducting a humanist wedding in the New Forest. Great way to start the day!

21/04/2023

Doing my first training day for this 👇🏻

A humanist naming ceremony is a way of celebrating and welcoming a new addition to your family. They're perfect for babies, adopted children, and step-children.

12/04/2023

'Too small for conflict and just big enough for cooperation' 🌎❤️

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin. His cosmic perspective is surely one to celebrate this

17/02/2023

James Croft has become the first humanist to be appointed to lead a chaplaincy, pastoral, and spiritual care team at a UK university. He has been appointed to the role of ‘University Chaplain and Lead Faith Advisor’ at the University of Sussex. Humanists UK has hailed his appointment as a landma...

22/01/2023

Great to make new connections and develop our plans to better support the Defence community.

Yesterday we were delighted to be joined by speakers at our annual conference including new patron, author Prof Francesca Stavrakopolo. With direct personal experience regarding the needs of those who serve and veterans, she’s a great addition!
We were very grateful for the input of Humanists UK’s CEO, Andrew Copson to shape our future plans and were also treated to a lecture on just war and ’pacificism’ from renowned philosopher and academic, Prof Richard Norman.

22/01/2023

Great to be joined by 🇨🇦 at Friday’s conference and meet an inspiration in humanist chaplaincy😊

Defence Humanists has set out why the time has come to provide non-religious pastoral support services to the armed forces. Through a submission to the Government’s Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence, security and international development, it has called for an independent review of past...

16/10/2022

At the start, still time to donate - it’s hot so every mile will be interesting in the hat!

14/10/2022

The number is here - ill@be running for dressed as Nelson so keep an eye out…

13/10/2022

Training in the bag, just some running to do. If you can spare a few pennies or pounds please donate to a great cause. 🏃🏻⚓️

Help Charlie Jones raise money to support The Rowans Hospice

08/09/2022

03/09/2022

Today it’s - a chance to show our appreciation for the seafarers, past and present, who we depend upon for 90% of our nation’s imports. ⚓️ Read a bit more about the history of the here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Ensign

29/08/2022

I’ll be 🏃🏻 the for Rowans Hospice, to celebrate being back as a volunteer after a long gap due to Covid. It’s also supported some special RN families recently. Fancy dress seems compulsory - open to achievable suggestions! ⚓️🏴‍☠️

Help Charlie Jones raise money to support The Rowans Hospice

25/07/2022

Clare Elcombe Webber is our Head of Humanist Care, she works to improve access to humanist pastoral care in hospitals, prisons, and universities throughout the country. Clare’s work is vital. Everyone, including the non-religious, should be able to talk to a like-minded person during life’s most...

21/06/2022

Happy World Humanist Day everyone!

American humanist and author, Kurt Vonnegut, on living ethically and morally. Happy World Humanist Day!

31/03/2022

Today was spent filming for the MOD’s new diversity and inclusion training material. Hats off to anyone who does this for a living - lots of retakes but the team behind the scenes were great!