Humanist Canada

What does it mean to be an atheist, and how does this identity shape our life experiences and perceptions of health? Answering this question matters because it influences how we interpret data and frame meaningful questions around spirituality and wellbeing.

In this first article about nonreligion and health, Dr. David Speed investigates the connection (or lack thereof) between disbelief in God and self-rated health. He explores how atheists experience religiosity, health, and life in ways that challenge out common assumptions.

Visit our website to read about this thought-provoking study: https://bit.ly/3XFxHe9

We’re honoured to share a new academic research series on nonreligion and health, featuring the work of Dr. David Speed, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New Brunswick.

Dr. Speed’s research critically examines the belief that religion and spirituality inherently lead to better health outcomes. By identifying gaps in current studies, his work challenges the notion that atheists experience worse health than believers and suggests that the benefits of religiosity might be overstated.

Thanks to Dr. Speed’s generosity, we’re able to publish his research and share it with our community. Visit our website to dive into this important exploration of nonreligion and health today: https://bit.ly/47xbu5t

We’re thrilled to announce that Anne Marie Tapp has enrolled as a humanist chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), making history as the second military humanist chaplain in Canada! 🎉🥳

Anne Marie joins her Royal Canadian Air Force humanist colleague, Marie-Claire Khadij, marking an incredible milestone with now two military humanist chaplains in the Americas!

Her journey has been extraordinary, rooted in a passion for intersectional feminism, science, and human dignity. From teaching to pursuing a master’s in spiritual care, Anne Marie has made a profound impact, and we're so proud to support her on this path. Congratulations, Anne Marie!

Read the full story about this incredible milestone on our website: https://bit.ly/4dYydcZ

Calling all poetry lovers! Do you have a passion for poetry, a deep understanding of humanism, and a desire to explore humanism through your creative expression?

Submit an original poem that answers the question “why is humanism an answer for the questions facing humanity today?” for a chance to have your work published on our website and our social platforms. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will also receive a cash prize of up to $300!

The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2024. Visit our website for full contest details: https://bit.ly/4edMS3T

Get ready for our October book club! Join us on Tuesday, October 8th at 7PM for our next virtual gathering.

We’ll be diving into The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim, a compelling family drama that’s sure to spark an engaging discussion. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Grab your favourite cozy drink and we’ll see you online for an evening of great conversation!

Visit your member portal on the day and time of the event to join the book club.

Humanist ceremonies are deeply personal, inclusive, and celebratory, reflecting the true essence of every individual involved in the planning process.

Swipe though the images to find out what makes humanist ceremonies so meaningful.

Using a beautiful ribbon or piece of fabric to bind the hands of the marrying couple together, handfasting is a popular wedding ritual that symbolizes the emotional bond, love, and commitment shared between a couple.

The ritual has Celtic origins that date back more than 2000 years and has since developed multiple variations, including the use of heartfelt poetry readings or music to better reflect the couple.

Your wedding day is a reflection of your love story. With a humanist ceremony, you have the freedom to craft a celebration that is as unique as you are!

Swipe trough the images to learn how bespoke humanist weddings can really be.

Are you passionate about helping others?

By becoming a humanist chaplain you can provide non-religious care to your community through emotional, spiritual, and ethical support.

Our humanist chaplain program is designed to cultivate the knowledge, compassion, and ethics needed to help others.

Applications for the 2024–2025 iteration of our Humanist Chaplain Accreditation Program are open until Saturday, September 14th.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3cUWuGl

Weddings are joyous, meaningful, and tremendously personal occasions.

Humanist wedding ceremonies are guided by the belief that all human beings shape their own destiny and give meaning to their own lives. We focus on your values and individuality to commemorate your special day in a meaningful, non-religious way.

Your humanist wedding ceremony can be traditional or whimsical, formal or casual, simple or elaborate, indoors or outdoors. It is as unique as the two of you!

Visit our website to learn more about our humanist wedding ceremonies and to find an officiant for your big day: https://bit.ly/3yYYNRC

Claire Eglin Culhane was a Montreal-born Canadian social activist and self-described prison abolitionist who campaigned extensively for penal reform and prisoner’s rights.

Through her work, Claire exposed the systematic brutality and degradation experienced by prisoners in British Columbia and across Canada. In 1995, she was inducted into the Order of Canada.

Her published works include 'No Longer Barred from Prison: Social Injustice in Canada' (1991) and 'Why Is Canada in Vietnam? The Truth About Our Foreign Aid' (1972

As we dive back into the school year, we’re excited to invite students across Canada to join our organization.

As a member of Humanist Canada, you’ll get to dive into discussions and activities that celebrate the human experience and engage with like-minded peers.

Visit our website for more info: https://bit.ly/3IUHg1W

By fostering an environment that values human experience and encourages individual creativity, humanism has enriched the arts throughout history and created a vibrant and diverse artistic legacy.

Humanism encourages us to explore and embrace our creative potential by valuing individual expression and rational inquiry 🎨👩🏽‍🎨💕

By promoting an open-minded approach and a focus on human experience, humanism inspires innovative thinking and artistic freedom that enriches our lives and drives positive change in the world.

Arthur Schopenhauer reminds us that by prioritizing empathy and kindness in our interactions, we can build a foundation for a more just and understanding world.

Let’s make compassion the guiding force behind our actions. Together, we can foster a society where ethics and empathy go hand in hand.

Humanist ethics provide a universal foundation that connects us all by emphasizing shared values like empathy, respect, and justice.

By focusing on what unites us rather than divides us, these principles help foster understanding and cooperation both locally and globally.

Let’s embrace humanist values to create a more inclusive and harmonious world for everyone!

Living ethically is essential for creating a more harmonious and respectful society ✌🏼💕

By guiding our actions with integrity and consideration for others, we make choices that positively impact our communities and the world around us. Embracing ethical behaviour helps build trust and support, leading to a more compassionate and connected world.

Ethics are at the heart of humanism because they guide us towards upholding human dignity and promoting a just society.

Unlike belief systems rooted in religious doctrines, humanism relies on reason and evidence to make informed decisions that reflect our core values. By emphasizing compassion and empathy, ethics drive us to act with kindness and support one another, enhancing our collective wellbeing. They also encourage personal responsibility, ensuring we act with integrity and consider the impact of our actions. Committed to social justice and equality, secular humanism uses ethical principles to foster fairness and eliminate discrimination.

In essence, ethics help us live meaningful lives that align with our values and pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate world.

At Humanist Canada, we believe that living ethically means embracing principles that uplift humanity and foster a better world for everyone 🌎💗

Humanism is guided by a set of core values that help us navigate our lives with purpose and compassion.

Are you passionate about creating a world rooted in compassion, reason, and human dignity? Then join the movement for a better tomorrow by becoming a member of Humanist Canada!

You’ll be joining a community dedicated to making a positive impact through humanist values 🤗💕

Become a member today: https://bit.ly/3IUHg1W

Humanism is about making a positive impact right here and now.

Vonnegut's words encourage us to cultivate compassion, integrity, and service for their own value. By contributing to our communities with dedication and care, we embody the true spirit of humanism.

Carl Sagan bridged the gap between science and humanism with unparalleled brilliance and passion.

As an acclaimed astrophysicist, Sagan made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the cosmos, from studying planetary atmospheres to popularizing space exploration

Beyond his scientific achievements, he was a passionate advocate for humanism. He championed the values of reason and compassion, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy and addressing global challenges.

From advancing technology to deepening our understanding of human nature, the intersection of science and humanism empowers us to explore, learn, and improve our world while staying true to our shared values.

Did you know that many of the world's leading scientists are also humanists? 🌟

They view the universe through a naturalist lens, where science and reason guide their understanding of the world and our place in it.

From Carl Sagan’s cosmic wonder to Stephen Hawking’s groundbreaking theories, these scientists show us how humanism and naturalism drive discovery and inspire progress. 🚀

Explore thought-provoking conversations and inspiring stories on our podcast, ‘The Voice of Canadian Humanism’.

Join us as we delve into topics that celebrate human values, reason, and the beauty of diverse perspectives. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our show, there’s always something new to discover.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and every other major podcast platform you can think of. Don't forget to subscribe and share with friends who might enjoy the journey with us!

We’re excited to announce a partnership with BC Humanist Association on the their Saugenay Project, which is focused on upholding the Supreme Court’s ruling on religious neutrality in municipal governance across Canada.

The project ensures that all municipal councils adhere to the ruling and respect the state’s duty to maintain religious neutrality. This is where we need your help! We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to transcribe prayers that have already been identified by Humanist Association.

Your participation is crucial in protecting the principles of secular governance and ensuring that all citizens are treated with respect and fairness. Get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved: https://bit.ly/3ZabYcE

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we stand together in recognition of the courage and dedication of those working to alleviate suffering amidst global crises.

As humanitarian crises and conflicts continue to displace millions and deepen suffering across the world, it becomes more crucial than ever to reaffirm our commitment to humanist values such as empathy, dignity, and responsibility. By doing so we can foster global solidarity, universal rights, and global responsibility.

At the heart of every humanist ceremony is a commitment to inclusivity and personal meaning. Whether it’s a wedding, a naming ceremony, or a retirement celebration, humanist ceremonies embrace everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

By choosing to listen, respect, and celebrate the unique qualities in each other we can build a stronger and more connected society.

Our Executive Director, Bettianne Hedges, and humanist chaplain, Marie-Claire Khadij, attended the Bluewater Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics conference in Sarnia last weekend. They had a fantastic time connecting with secularists from across North America ✨

The event featured so many great people, engaging conversations, and captivating speakers 💗

Marie-Claire also had the chance to present on the role of humanist chaplains in the military, and her presentation received significant interest and support.

We’re a proud sponsor of this year’s BAHACON.