NewsOxSecSec affiliated to National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student SocietiesOxSecSoc's very own Cloe Clifford-Frith becomes a trustee. See their Secular Portal for more information. Termly General Meeting - Trinity TermElections for the Executive Committee positions for Michaelmas Term 2008 were held. The results are as follows:
Termly General Meeting - 06/03/08 - Latner Room, St Peter'sElections for the Executive Committee positions for Trinity Term 2008 were held. The results are as follows:
'Religious fundamentalism - the biggest threat to human rights?' 25/02/08 - Bar CopaPeter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, came to speak to SecSoc about the often fraught relationship between religion and human rights, and the legislative and social consequences of this, particularly for homosexuals. His gave a very interesting and spirited talk that spanned the globe. Afterwards Peter took questions and encouraged a discussion on the problems secularists face and what they can do about these issues. 'Does religion have to be the enemy?' 23/01/08 - Latner Room, St Peter'sSimon Barrow, Co-director of Ekklesia, a Secular Christian thinktank, came to explain to Sec Soc why Christianity and secularism can compliment each other, why Christians should be secular, and why secularists should welcome religious people who share their political values. 'This House believes that the Ideal State is a Secular State' - 17/01/08 - Oxford UnionThe proposition consisted of Keith Porteous-Wood, Executive Director of the National Secular Society, Simon Walker, Lewis Iwu and our esteemed President. Termly General Meeting - 28/11/07 - Morris Room, ExeterElections for the Executive Committee positions for Hilary Term 2008 were held. The results are as follows:
Secular Festive Meal - 28/11/07In honour of what will soon become a venerable Secular Tradition when it is old enough, Oxford Secular Society hit the town for the second Annual Non-Denominational Festive Meal. Hats were once again worn, and fun was once again had by all Dr Julian Baggini on Post-Religious Spirituality - 19/11/07 - Bar Copa, George StreetPhilosopher Dr Julian Baggini, Author of 'The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Secularism' and 'The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten', and regular contributor to Radio Four, spoke to OxSecSoc on post-religious spirituality. He asked: While fewer people regard themselves as religious, most still like to think of themselves as "spiritual". Is this just vague nonsense or is there a sense of the spiritual which is necessary or desirable, and which atheism fails to respond to? Dr Evan Harris on Lords Reform - 15/11/07 - Saskatchewan Room, ExeterDr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon and outspoken secularist, spoke to OxSecSoc on Lords Reform. He told us about his work on behalf of secularism and answered questions from the audience. Keith Porteous-Wood on 'Is Religion the Biggest Threat to Human Rights?' - 09/11/07 - Saskatchewan Room, ExeterMr Porteous-Wood, Director of the National Secular Society, gave a wide-ranging talk on this contentious subject. He gave the audience an overview of what his work at the NSS entails and provided the society with an excellent set of pamphlets, newsletters, badges and other promotional material, including a booklet entitled: 'Did the Christians Steal Christmas?' Keith led a discussion and answered questions from the audience. BHA Filming of the Secular Ceremonies Information Pack - 28/10/07 - Balliol CollegeMembers of Secular Society spent a day with the BHA filming a humanist wedding and babynaming for a DVD schools information pack. The BHA is attempting to spread awareness of secular ceremonies. One lucky member of the committee was married by the humanist celebrant in front of the cameras, while others were interviewed for the 'talking heads' section of the DVD. The Oxford Faith School Forum - 25/10/07 - The Wesley Memorial Church Auditorium, New Hall Inn StreetChaired by Professor Bernard Silverman, Master of St Peter's College, the Faith School Forum saw a spirited discussion about faith schools, including admissions, indoctrination and the legitimate expression of one's faith. The panel were: Andrew Copson, Spokesperson for Education and Public Affairs at the British Humanist Association. Andrew has wide experience in education funding, curriculum reform and has been involved in a number of single issue campaigns. Tahir Alam, Chair of the Education Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. Tahir is Assistant Secretary-General of the MCB, as well as a frequent contributor to the BBC's online news output. Graham Russell, Education Secretary of the Methodist Church. Graham is a supporter of the Free Church Education Unit, the collaborative effort of a number of Churches to respond to government education initiatives and to represent religious schools. Dr Anshuman Mondal of Brunel University had kindly agreed to speak but had to pull out at the last moment. Each panelist put forward their view on faith schools and then took part in a chaired discussion with questions from the audience. Termly General Meeting - 14/06/07 - Latner Room, St Peters'sElections for the Executive Committee positions for Michaelmas Term 2007 were held. The results are as follows:
Secular Society Picnic - 10/06/07 - University ParksOxSecSoc enjoyed the glorious weather with a large picnic in the parks, featuring food, drink and secular chat! This is clearly set to become another tradition Dr Susan Blackmore - 10/05/07 - Bar Copa, George StreetWriter, broadcaster, lecturer and expert in the fields of psychology, memetics and the paranormal, Dr Blackmore came to speak to the society on 'Why are religions so infectious?' She led a discussion and answered questions from the audience. Termly General Meeting - 08/03/07 - Latner Room, St. Peter'sElections for the Executive Committee postions for Trinity Term 2007 were held the results are as follows:
Interfaith Football Round 2 - 06/03/07The second round of Interfaith Football saw more religious groups (and SecSoc) battling it out for supremacy on the field. Unfortunately, this time we were tragically defeated. Scores to follow! Is Humanism A Religion? - 22/02/07 - Latner Room, St. Peter'sHumanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason - humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. But is Humanism actually just another religion? Andrew Copson from the British Humanist Association came to SecSoc to answer that very question for us, and took part in the animated debate that ensued. "What Would Judas Do?" - 03/02/07 - LondonComedian Stewart Lee co-wrote Jerry Springer The Opera, has won loads of awards for his solo shows, and does lots of benefit gigs for charity. Judas, in turn, was the betrayer of Christ, and thus evil. But, hey, don’t judge Judas! Jesus didn’t turn out to be the man Judas thought he was, and nothing hurts more than being let down by your idol. SecSoc travelled en-mass to the nation's capital to see (and take part in) this theologically dense ‘theatrical monologue-cum-stand-up set’. Re-evaluating The Englightenment - (01/02/07) - Bar CopaA chaired discussion on the meaning and value of the Enlightenment, a key historical period for all secular minded folk. Jonathan Rée (historian and philosopher), AC Grayling (philosopher and tutor) and Dolan Cummings (research and editorial director of the Institute of Ideas) each gave a short talk on a key aspect, and then answered questions from the audience. Secular Festive Meal (30/11/06)At a time of year when religion tries to hog the limelight, Sec Soc instead embraced its newly-established tradition of going out for a secular seasonal curry, and then retired to a nearby pub. Fun was had by all, alcohol was consumed in suitably large quantities and hats were worn. Termly General Meeting - St. Peter's College (28/11/06)Elections for the Executive Committee postions for Hilary Term 2006 were held the results are as follow:
Kelvin Hopkins, MP (10/11/06)It must always be remembered that the secular cause can be seen as an essentially political one. Many secularists will take issue with certain aspects of current government policy, and it was therefore our pleasure to host Kelvin Hopkins MP as he told us his opinions on the state of secularism today. Described by The Guardian as a “rebellion prone left-winger”, Kelvin Hopkins is the Labour MP for Luton North and frequently refuses to toe the government line. He is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and is an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. Interfaith Football Round 1 (29/10/06)In the spirit of spreading peace, goodwill and understanding, Sec Soc helped to organise the very first Oxford Interfaith Football Tournament! The motivation behind this event was to provide an opportunity for some friendly interfaith socialising: it was not to find out whose religion is the best via the medium of football (although SecSoc did put emerge victorious). Stewart Lee (18/10/06)The infamous stand-up comedian and director and co-writer of the award-winning Jerry Springer – The Opera, Stewart Lee, came to tell us about his experiences with the Christian fanatics who accused him of blasphemy and organised protests against his work. Perhaps you recognise him from Armando Iannucci’s hit television comedy ‘Time Trumpet’, or maybe you have been lucky enough to see him perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Termly General Meeting - Wadham College - 14/06/06Elections for the Executive Committee postions for Michaelmas Term 2006 were held the results are as follow:
Also after some dicussion and a vote it was agreed that the Society would accept the offer of a reduced subcription rate to the New Humanist Magazine for its members, it should be noted however that views expressed in the New Humanist Magazine do not represent those of the Oxford Secular Society rather that we feel this publication is a resource of interest to some of our members. Speaker - Steve Jones: "Why evolution is right and creationism is wrong" - 24/05/06
Speaker - Peter Risdon - 03/05/06Due to last minute complications the scheduled debate entitled "Free expression should be moderated by the proclamation of Global Civility" was cancelled and in its place the speaker against the motion, Peter Risdon, gave a talk on the importance of free expression. General Meeting - 25/04/06On tuesday of 1st week Trinity Term 2006 a general meeting was held. During the meeting the constitution was re-ratified, membership fees were decided and now stand at �5 for the academic year and �10 for life membership. Also the electoral rules were proposed and passed and can be viewed here. First General meetingThe first general meeting took place in 8th week of Hilary Term 2006. In this meeting the constitution of the society was discussed, amended and then ratified, it can be viewed here. Then elections were held for postions on the executive committee with Chris Lawes winning Presidency, Jack Graves being voted in as President Elect, Edward Wilson as Treasurer, Raoul Parekh as Secretary, Mary Beth Mills-Curran as Publicity & Press Admin, and Christopher Jones as I.T. Admin. |
