National Secular Society Podcast
95 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingChallenging religious privilege, for freedom, fairness and secularism
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Episodes
Terry Sanderson’s memoir shows gay and secularist activism go hand in hand – Opinion Out Loud Ep 016
January 04, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 6.25 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Helen Nicholls reviews The Reluctant Gay Activist, the revised memoir of former NSS president Terry Sanderson. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/10/terry-sandersons-memoir-shows-that-gay-and-secularist-activism-often-go-hand-in-hand
An end of year message from our chief executive
December 23, 2021 11:18 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MBIt's that time of year again, when we look forward to a break and reflect on the year that's been. Read the full message: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/12/a-message-from-the-chief-executive
Ep 63: Christian education challenged in court – a Northern Ireland case
December 21, 2021 07:45 - 41 minutes - 47.8 MBA ground-breaking case on the right to a pluralistic education in Northern Ireland is currently being considered by the High Court. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/12/ep-63
Ep 62: Islamist ideology and free speech
December 07, 2021 07:45 - 43 minutes - 49.7 MBAn interview with journalist Kunwar Khuldune Shahid on Islamist ideology and jihadism, blasphemy, and the importance of free speech. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/12/ep-62
‘Inclusive language’ in the army is meaningless without inclusive culture – Opinion Out Loud Ep 015
November 30, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 11.9 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. The Armed Forces must dismantle their institutional Christian privilege if they are truly committed to inclusivity, says Megan Manson. Read this original opinion piece: ‘Inclusive language’ in the army is meaningless without inclusive culture - National Secular Society (secularism.org.uk)
Ep 61: Books for Secularists
November 16, 2021 07:45 - 41 minutes - 47.9 MBLooking to explore the currents of thought behind secularism? Here are nine books to begin with. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/11/ep-61
Ep 60: Atheists in foxholes – religion and the army
November 02, 2021 07:45 - 34 minutes - 39.5 MBIn an increasingly secular country, why does the British army retain its exclusively Christian practices? Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/11/ep-60
Beware the government’s “new normal” of faith-based public services – Opinion Out Loud Ep 014
October 26, 2021 06:50 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. A new government fund exclusively for faith groups threatens to embed religious privilege into public services, warns Megan Manson. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/09/beware-the-governments-new-normal-of-faith-based-public-services
Ep 59: The advancement of religion
October 19, 2021 06:45 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MBShould organisations be entitled to tax breaks and other privileges solely on the basis that they ‘advance religion’? Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/10/ep-59
Schools should be liberated from the compulsion of worship – Opinion Out Loud Ep 013
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 6 minutes - 7.36 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. As a bill to reform collective worship progresses in parliament, Stephen Evans argues that the time has come for lawmakers to recognise that laws mandating worship have no place in modern Britain. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/09/schools-should-be-liberated-from-the-compulsion-of-worship
Ep 58: Reforming marriage law
October 05, 2021 06:45 - 41 minutes - 48 MBWhat’s wrong with marriage law in England and Wales, and how can it be made fit for purpose in the twenty-first century? Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/10/ep-58
Ep 57: Secularism around the world: Hungary
September 21, 2021 06:45 - 40 minutes - 46.6 MBHow far has Viktor Orbán’s illiberal Christian regime undermined secularism in Hungary? Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/09/ep-57
Ep 56: The Assisted Dying Bill 2021
September 07, 2021 06:45 - 47 minutes - 54.4 MBThe Assisted Dying Bill 2021 is likely to have its second reading this autumn. But how far should the law permit those who wish to die to be assisted by others in doing so? Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/09/ep-56
Ep 55: Pastafarianism and the meaning of ‘religion’
August 24, 2021 06:45 - 51 minutes - 58.8 MBA spoof religion devised to mock creationism has attracted a global following. But what does ‘religion’ mean anyway? With Derk Venema (03:20), Tanya Watkins (28:35), and Tony Meacham (43:17). Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/08/ep-55
Schools aren’t there to save the church – Opinion Out Loud Ep 012
August 17, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 8.65 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. The Church of England's new evangelical missional strategy should lead us to question its entitlement to proselytise in schools, argues Stephen Evans. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/07/schools-arent-there-to-save-the-church
Helping the public shouldn’t mean pushing religion on people – Opinion Out Loud Ep 010
July 27, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 9.26 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. A parliamentary group has removed provisions in its 'faith covenant' that prevent faith groups from proselytising when delivering public services. This leaves vulnerable people open to exploitation, says Megan Manson. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/07/helping-the-public-shouldnt-mean-pushing-religion-on-people
Ep 54: The Catholic Church and Canada’s residential schools
July 20, 2021 06:45 - 30 minutes - 35.1 MB“Not one single residential school was ever built with a playground. But every single residential school had ample space for a cemetery.” Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/07/ep-54
Ep 53: Religion and LGBT rights: fifty years of change
July 06, 2021 06:45 - 46 minutes - 53.6 MBThe history of LGBT rights in the UK has been one long struggle against prejudice, entrenched views – and organised religion. Full shownotes and subscriber information: www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/07/ep-53
The religious threat to global human rights must be taken seriously – Opinion Out Loud Ep 010
June 29, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 9.32 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. UN efforts to challenge violations of human rights should consider both oppressive laws which theocrats uphold in former colonies and efforts to impose similar agendas further afield, says Keith Porteous Wood. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/05/the-religious-threat-to-global-human-rights-must-be-taken-seriously
Ep 52: A new Catholic school for Peterborough
June 22, 2021 06:45 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBA new Catholic primary school is about to be constructed in Hampton Water, Peterborough, despite local opposition. It will be the first state-funded Catholic school in England for a decade. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/06/ep-52/
Parents’ religious wishes must not trump children’s safety and education – Opinion Out Loud Ep 009
June 15, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 10.2 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Every child has been withdrawn from sex education classes at an independent faith school. Megan Manson says the parental right of withdrawal is incompatible with children's right to an education that keeps them safe. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/05/parents-religious-wishes-must-not-trump-childrens-safety-and-education
Ep 51: Laïcité and free speech in France
June 08, 2021 06:45 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBSatire is "the oxygen of a democracy," according to Caroline Fourest, writer, filmmaker, anti-extremist and former Charlie Hebdo journalist. She speaks to Emma Park in the latest episode of the NSS podcast. Full shownotes and subscriber information: www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/06/ep-51
Women Leaving Islam: the rights of those who leave religion must be protected – Opinion Out Loud Ep 008
June 01, 2021 07:00 - 6 minutes - 7.62 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/04/women-leaving-islam-the-rights-of-those-who-leave-religion-must-be-protected The film Women Leaving Islam shows the risks facing those who stand up for the fundamental right to leave religion and the ongoing neglect of minorities within minorities in public life, says Helen Nicholls.
Ep 50: The Church of England’s influence over education
May 25, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 49.6 MBWhat does it mean for a school to be ‘C of E’? And how far does the Church of England’s influence extend over state-funded education? Full shownotes and subscriber information: www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/05/ep-50
The DfE must show leadership when religious hardliners turn on schools – Opinion Out Loud Ep 007
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 8.58 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/05/the-dfe-must-show-leadership-when-religious-hardliners-turn-on-schools The start of an investigation into the Batley Grammar affair raises questions over the government's willingness to ensure assertive religious voices don't dictate what happens in classrooms, says Stephen Evans.
Ep 49: The early history of secularism
May 11, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 42.8 MBThe term ‘secularism’ was coined in 1851. But Britain’s tradition of freethinkers, atheists and radicals goes back much further than that. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/05/ep-49
Ep 48: Challenging the Jehovah’s Witnesses
April 29, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 48.8 MBLloyd Evans was an elder in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, before he left the organisation in 2013. He has since been campaigning to expose its workings to the public. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/04/ep-48
It’s not too late to fulfil George Holyoake’s secularist vision – Opinion Out Loud Ep 006
April 20, 2021 07:00 - 14 minutes - 17 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/07/its-not-too-late-to-fulfil-george-holyoakes-secularist-vision With secularist principles under siege across much of the world, it's worth reconsidering the vision of the man who coined the term 'secularism' in the 19th century, says his biographer Ray Argyle.
Ep 47: Blasphemy in the classroom: The Batley Grammar case
April 13, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBThis episode is about Batley Grammar School’s decision to suspend and investigate a teacher for using a cartoon of the prophet Muhammad in an RE lesson on blasphemy. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/04/ep47
Any serious counter-extremism strategy should consider religious charities – Opinion Out Loud Ep 05
April 06, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 10 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/03/any-serious-counter-extremism-strategy-should-consider-religious-charities As a commission calls for action to tackle hateful extremism, Megan Manson says changes in the charity sector – including legal reform – would be both helpful and compatible with fundamental liberal principles.
Ep 46: Forced marriage and the importance of RSE
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 48.8 MBA marriage can be forced even if it doesn’t involve the threat of physical violence. In certain faith communities in Britain, young people’s freedom to choose their future spouse can be denied in subtler ways. NSS podcast with Eve Sacks of Nahamu. Full shownotes and subscriber information: www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/03/ep46/
Rerelease: Dr Antony Lempert | Exploring religious freedom (Ep 5)
March 23, 2021 08:00 - 32 minutes - 36.9 MBRerelease of our 2019 episode on the Intersection between secularism and healthcare. Next new episode (Ep 46) planed for next Tuesday, 30 March. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/03/dr-antony-lempert-exploring-religious-freedom-episode-05
Ep 45: The Scottish Hate Crime Bill
March 16, 2021 08:00 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MBThis episode is about the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill, which was finally passed by the Scottish Parliament on 11th March, after much controversy. With Liam Kerr MSP and Jamie Gillies of Free to Disagree. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/03/ep-45
Ep 44: Post-Christian Britain and religion in schools
March 02, 2021 08:00 - 43 minutes - 49.6 MBThis episode is about the place of religion in Britain today, both in society in general and in schools in particular. Emma Park interviews Linda Woodhead MBE, professor of religion at Lancaster University. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/03/ep-44-post-christian-britain-and-religion-in-schools
Christian nationalism is a key part of Trump’s legacy – Opinion Out Loud Ep 04
February 23, 2021 07:50 - 6 minutes - 7.07 MBOpinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society's opinion pieces in audio format. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/01/christian-nationalism-is-a-key-part-of-trumps-legacy Alastair Lichten argues that understanding Christian nationalism is essential to understanding the presidency of Donald Trump and its consequences for the world.
Rerelease: Thought for the Day | RE in Wales (Ep 17)
February 16, 2021 08:00 - 32 minutes - 36.8 MBRerelease of our 2019 episode on the BBC's 'Thought for the Day' and religious education reform. Next new episode (Ep 44) planed for next Tuesday, 23 February. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/10/ep-17-thought-for-the-day-re-in-wales
Ep 43: Charles Bradlaugh – Atheist and Republican
February 09, 2021 08:00 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MBOne hundred and thirty years after he died, Professor David Nash and Bob Forder speak to Emma Park about the life and significance of Charles Bradlaugh – the first openly atheist MP, and the founder of the NSS. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/02/ep-43/
Religious conversion isn’t a charitable endeavour – Opinion Out Loud Ep 03
February 02, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 10 MBOpinion Out Loud is a new series from the National Secular Society podcast. Each episode will bring you a member of the team reading one of our best recent opinion pieces. We’d love to hear your feedback. Details at the end. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2021/01/religious-conversion-isnt-a-charitable-endeavour
Ep 42: Transforming education in Northern Ireland
January 26, 2021 08:00 - 42 minutes - 48.1 MBAlastair Lichten is joined by Sam Fitzsimmons and Matthew Milliken discuss the range of challenges facing Northern Ireland’s divided education system and hopes for the future. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/01/ep-42
The Catholic Church’s control over abortion policy has sparked a furious backlash in Poland – Opinion Out Loud Ep 02
January 19, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 10.1 MBOpinion Out Loud is a new series from the National Secular Society podcast. Each episode will bring you a member of the team reading one of our best recent opinion pieces. We’d love to hear your feedback. Details at the end. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/11/the-catholic-churchs-control-over-abortion-policy-has-sparked-a-furious-backlash-in-poland
Church and state should be separate – Opinion Out Loud Ep 01
January 12, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 9.78 MBOpinion Out Loud is a new series from the National Secular Society podcast. Each episode will bring you a member of the team reading one of our best recent opinion pieces. We’d love to hear your feedback. Details at the end. Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/11/church-and-state-should-be-separate
Rerelease: Geoffrey Robertson QC (Ep 07: Exploring religious freedom)
January 05, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 39.1 MBRerelease of Ep 07. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/04/geoffrey-robertson-qc-exploring-religious-freedom-episode-07
Ep 41: Year in review
December 22, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MBIn the final episode of 2020, Emma Park is joined by members of the NSS team to look back at an unusual year of campaigning and activities. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/12/ep-41
Ep 40: Rachel Laser, the Americanisation of the religious right
December 08, 2020 08:00 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBEmma Park speaks to Rachel Laser, to discuss the state of US secularism in the aftermath of their 2020 election, and the American Christian rights' support for similar movements around the world. Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/12/ep-40
Rerelease: Lee and Lizanne Harris (Ep 20: Compulsory worship)
December 01, 2020 08:00 - 43 minutes - 50.3 MBRerelease of Ep 20. Next new episode (Ep 40) scheduled next Tuesday, 8 December Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/12/ep-20-lee-and-lizanne-harris-compulsory-worship
Ep 39: The war on Christmas
November 24, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 35.7 MBWhat is the real meaning of Christmas in modern Britain, secular and multicultural as it is? Does the Christian tradition have a prerogative on its meaning, and if not, why not? And does anyone really get offended at the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’? Full shownotes and subscriber information: secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/11/ep-39
Rerelease: General election special (Ep 19)
November 19, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 24.5 MBRerelease of Ep 19. Next new episode (Ep 39) scheduled for next week. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/11/ep-19-general-election-special
Ep 38: Disestablishing the Church of England
November 12, 2020 08:00 - 37 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode, Emma Park was joined by the National Secular Society’s Stephen Evans, to discuss the 2020 Bradlaugh Lecture and the case for disestablishing the Church of England. Full show notes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/11/ep38
Rerelease: Religious appointees (Ep 13)
November 05, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 27 MBRerelease of Ep 13. Next new episode (Ep 38) coming next week. Check out the full shownotes, video and transcript for this episode: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2019/09/ep-13-religious-appointees-news-round-up
Ep 37: Christian nationalism and the US election
October 29, 2020 07:55 - 37 minutes - 42.6 MBAndrew Seidel returns to the NSS podcast to discuss the role secularist issues and Christian nationalism are playing in the ongoing US presidential election. Full show notes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/10/ep37