National Secular Society (NSS) consults on proposed changes to its Principles

On 4th February 2008 National Secular Society (NSS) sent a letter to all members titled "Consultation on proposed changes to the Principles and Objects of the NSS". The changes (in orange with re-write in bold) are:-

• re-ordering of Principles
• same
• Secularism affirms that this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge ...
• Secularism affirms that progress is possible only on the basis of equal freedom of speech ...
• promoted
• It asserts that supernaturalism is based upon ignorance ...
  
• ... complete separation of Church and State ...
  
• demoted
• Affirming that morality ...
• It seeks to spread education ...
  
• insertion of "National Secular Society" instead of "Secularism",
• removal of "Church and State ..." clause in current second Principle with retention in current sixth Principle.
• very minor changes to literacy.
  

These changes will be voted on at the NSS 2009 AGM. The reason for the changes is that NSS has no exclusivity on the definition of Secularism. Also some secularists are religious and cannot affirm to the "supernaturalism is based upon ignorance" or "this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge" principles.

General Principles

• 1. Secularism affirms that this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge and human effort should be directed wholly towards its improvement.
• 1. The National Secular Society affirms that this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge and human effort should be directed wholly towards its improvement.

• 2. Affirming that morality is social in origin and application, Secularism aims at promoting the happiness and well-being of mankind. Secularism demands the complete separation of Church and State and the abolition of all privileges granted to religious organisations.
• 4. Affirming that morality is social in origin and application, National Secular Society aims to promote the happiness and well-being of mankind.

• 3. Secularism affirms that progress is possible only on the basis of equal freedom of speech and publication; that the free criticism of institutions and ideas is essential to a civilised state.
• 3. National Secular Society affirms that progress is possible only on the basis of equal freedom of speech and publication; that free criticism of institutions and ideas is essential to a civilised state.

• 4. It asserts that supernaturalism is based upon ignorance and assails it as the historic enemy of progress.
• 2. National Secular Society asserts that supernaturalism is based upon ignorance and assails it as the historic enemy of progress.

• 5. It seeks to spread education, to promote the fraternity of all peoples as a means of advancing universal peace to further common cultural interests and to develop the freedom and dignity of mankind.
• 6. National Secular Society seeks to spread education, to promote the fraternity of all peoples as a means of advancing universal peace, to further common cultural interests and develop the freedom and dignity of mankind.

• 6. To remove an impediment to these objectives, we demand the complete separation of Church and State and the abolition of all privileges granted to religious organisations.
• 5. National Secular Society demands the complete separation of Church and State and the abolition of all privileges granted to religious organisations.