On 4 April, Channel Islands residents will come together to celebrate the launch of Channel Islands Humanists, a new group that will be the first to cater specifically for the non-religious community in the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey.

The launch event, being held at the Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa, will feature Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson, speaking about humanism and secularism, with an introduction from States of Jersey Assembly Deputy and Humanists UK patron Louise Doublet, who is also joining the committee of Channel Islands Humanists.

Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because we believe it’s the only life we have. We make sense of the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and always seek to treat those around us with warmth, understanding, and respect.

Recent years have seen an explosion of humanist activity in the Channel Islands, with Jersey legislating in February to give legal recognition to humanist marriages and Guernsey now consulting on doing the same. In the wake of recognition, which is expected to come into force later this year, eight people have just completed their training as new humanist celebrants in Jersey. This will allow them, once they have completed the further training required under Jersey Law, to perform legal humanist marriages in the island. Channel Islands Humanists is pleased to announce that it is now forming a committee, with members from both bailiwicks, and is looking forward to supporting growing humanist ceremonies on the island, as well as having a voice in ongoing policy work, for example the current considerations around opt-out organ donation.

Channel Islands Humanists is launching in the Leopold Suite of the Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa from 19:30 on 4 April, and people can register on our website. Channel Islands Humanists is a part of Humanists UK.

Louise Doublet of Channel Islands Humanists commented, ‘I’m so pleased to be a part of the new Channel Islands Humanists group. This exciting initiative has come about at a time of change, as we non-religious people increasingly feel able to speak out and identify as such, and the state is starting to recognise that, through, for example, the legal recognition of humanist marriages in Jersey and perhaps soon Guernsey. I very much look forward to taking this role forward to bring non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have.’

Welcoming the launch, Andrew Copson commented, ‘We’re delighted to see the recent growth in humanist activity in the Channel Islands and to support the launch of Channel Islands Humanists. With a very high proportion of Channel Islands residents – indeed, a majority of young adults – having no religion, the time is right for a group that works with and on behalf of this community to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail.’

You can find out more about Channel Islands Humanists and sign up to the event on our website. You can also sign up to the group’s mailing list at https://humanism.org.uk/channel-islands/

Notes

For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at richy@humanism.org.uk or 020 7324 3072.

Find out more about the launch event and book your place: https://humanism.org.uk/events/secularism-jersey/

At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.

Channel Islands Humanists is a part of Humanists UK.