AboutIn the beginning...Established in 2006, Sec Soc is one of the university's youngest and most energetic societies. The founders were originally motivated by the fact that Oxford had many religious organisations but none to represent the views of atheists and agnostics. It was decided that Oxford University was in desperate need of a Secular Society. Indeed, certain developments in Britain and around the world have caused great concern to secularists. Since religious fundamentalism is undoubtedly a threat to pluralist and tolerant democracy it is vital that secularists are prepared to stand up for their shared values. And thus, beautifully, Sec Soc was born. What we stand for...However, Sec Soc is not simply an atheist club. After lengthy discussion on the meaning of 'secularism' it was agreed that believers as well as non-believers had an interest in campaigning for secular values. Sec Soc envisages a society where all enjoy freedom of religion, as well as freedom from religion. We therefore actively encourage religious students who can appreciate the importance of living in a secular world to join us. A Christian served on the first Executive Committee and we hope to continue involving people from as many different faiths as possible. Sec Soc at play...Sec Soc holds regular events to ensure mammoth value for the modest membership fee! (The membership form can be downloaded here) A variety of high-profile speaker events are organised for each term (for example, in the first term of Sec Soc the eminent biologist Steve Jones came to tell us 'Why Evolution is Right and Why Creationism is Wrong'). The society's newsletter The Secular Student is delivered to all members and includes articles aimed at provoking debate amongst Oxford's secularists. And if that is not enough fun, Sec Soc also provides social events where absolutely nothing is considered sacred... Sec Soc democracy...We secularists love elections. At the end of every term the Executive Committee for the following term is chosen in a free and fair election. Any member of the society is allowed to stand for any position they wish. Sec Soc has a constitution (a copy of the constitution can be viewed here) designed to uphold our internal democracy and to ensure that if the President goes nuts he or she can be removed from office promptly. So far this has not been a problem. Our Patrons...
Sec Soc is very pleased to enjoy the patronage of Dr Evan Harris MP. Dr Harris has been the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon since 1997 and is an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. Of course, Sec Soc does not endorse a single political party, but we are grateful for the support of such a secular politician! Our Senior Member...Antony Eagle, Kneale Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy, is Sec Soc's Senior Member. Dr Eagle is particularly interested in metaphysics and philosophy of science, and he is also a member of the British Humanist Association. He is based at Exeter College and keeps an eye over the running of our esteemed society. The Presidents...
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