Freedom of Religion or Belief at the United Nations
Daniel Hoffman, PES Member The United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief was formed in 1991. The goal: to promote international agreements protecting freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief. Daniel, who is on the board, will share the organization’s background and talk about how the conflict between freedom of religion and [...]
Open Minds: Gift a Banned Book this Holiday Season
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The recent surge in book bans is troubling. During the last academic year, school districts in 32 states announced 2,500 such actions. But thanks to human curiosity and opposition to censorship, banning books backfires. Book stores even create displays to capitalize on demand for this forbidden fruit. Hugh suggests [...]
Introduction to Ethical Humanism
Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHugh welcomes everyone—especially those not familiar with Ethical Humanism—to this casual in-person and Zoom presentation and discussion. We’ll also explore how humanists can navigate the holiday season. In-person at 1906 Rittenhouse Square and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3917679274
Book Discussion (Zoom) – The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed
In this inspiring tale of grassroots environmentalism, Broad and Cavanagh describe how El Salvador became the first country to ban the mining of metals. You have two chances to discuss the introduction and chapters 1-4. First on Zoom on Saturday, November 5, at 10:30 AM. Then in-person on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 PM. We [...]
From Religion to History: How Our Culture Wars Have Changed
Jonathan Zimmerman University of Pennsylvania Americans have long debated how public schools should address religion and faith. Now we’re arguing about our conceptions of America, which have become quasi-religious beliefs in their own right. Can we present diverse views of this country rather than teach a single story? Zimmerman, professor of history of education and [...]
HumanLight Ceremony
HumanLight is a secular holiday, organized by a coalition of humanist and freethought groups, that celebrates reason, compassion, and hope. People from around the world come together to say goodbye to the old year and greet the new one. The program includes toasts, candle-lighting, performances, music, and breakout-room discussions. Register here for this Zoom presentation. [...]
Winter Solstice Celebration
Need some light in these dark times? Come celebrate community as we gather to light candles and kindle hope for brighter days ahead. Those fully-vaccinated and boosted are welcome to join in-person at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. Please wear a mask indoors (N-95) and bring your proof of vaccination. OR You can join here online [...]
Weird News Quiz
Join Leigh Buchanan and Hugh Taft-Morales on Zoom for our annual end-of-the-year “weird news” quiz and other fun! If you’ve been conscientiously keeping up with world events…it won’t do you one bit of good in this game. Come for good-natured competition and some laughs! Feel free to invite friends or family you are with over the [...]
Happy New Year (No Platform Today)
Happy New Year! There is no platform today. Enjoy the holiday!
Discussing Antisemitism in America (Online)
Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Hugh will host a casual discussion about the country’s recent surge of antisemitism. This is not a presentation but rather an opportunity to share feelings and thoughts. The Zoom session is with members of the Baltimore Ethical Society. You can join here online at the scheduled time: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3917679274