Prelude:

The end of one year and the beginning of another is often the opportunity to look back across the year that has gone and to reflect on its events, both personal and otherwise. Such reflection can then become a basis upon which to prepare for the coming year, an opportunity to use the information gained and lessons learned to resolve what the coming year might look like, what it may achieve, and, in general, shape life as it continues – for the individual, the family, or a community, even a nation.

Those who may return to this blog on a frequent, even occasional, basis, will have realized that this writer belongs to several regional and national organizations. Therefore, in this first article of 2024, rather than outline and comment on personal directions taken, resolutions made or broken, or events transitional or permanent that have happened, I wish to cast a backward glance at what has been written by and proclaimed, undertaken, and achieved, by those major groups and organizations to which I offer my support.

To do this, I will simply provide examples of what have been significant outcomes of the words and actions of these groups, their major ambitions, and recognized achievements. They will be outlined and briefly discussed in order of their progression during 2023.

However, to avoid a single essay being too lengthy, I will divide this discussion into two parts and deliver the outcome over two articles. In this first article, I will comment on the National Secular Society, Republic (the British Republican Movement), and 38 Degrees. Naturally, in these articles, I am commending the organizations about which I write.

National Secular Society

The National Secular Society (NSS) is an organization that campaigns for a secular democracy, where, amongst other things, no religion is given privileges or has a status above any other religion. The NSS is of the view that, now more than ever, religious privilege needs to be challenged. The NSS exists to do that and has been very active in this field during 2023.

The imposition of religious values on personal autonomy, particularly in relation to reproductive rights, sexual orientation, and end-of-life decisions, impedes societal progress and infringes upon the freedom of individuals to determine their own paths. Furthermore, the presence of faith schools inserts division, discrimination and dogma into a school system that should be a beacon of inclusivity and critical enquiry. Meanwhile rising religious fundamentalism means the ability to speak freely about religion is in retreat. And an outdated law that regards ‘the advancement of religion’ as a public benefit worthy of charitable status means the state is subsidizing religious extremism and intolerance.

This year, 2023, the NSS backed a parliamentary bill to disestablish the Church of England. This action should be taken as a statement of the NSS’s intent. The NSS remains steadfast in its educative mission to achieve a secular democracy where everyone is treated equally, regardless of religion or belief, on none. As we look ahead to a new year, and with a general election on the horizon, the NSS plans to step up its campaigning for the policy changes necessary to deliver greater freedom, equality, harmony, and democracy, especially in state funded schools.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world (Nelson Mandela – former South African freedom fighter and President of the SA Republic, Nelson Mandela)

Republic (the British Republican Movement)

As to be expected, the British republican movement, Republic, has been very active during 2023. It has continued its campaign for abolishing monarchy in the UK, with demonstrations at the time of the coronation of King Charles III. Republic recently published a new survey which showed that support for the monarch as the Head of the British State is decreasing. The results of the survey were as follows: Monarchy – 41%; Elected Head of State – 31%; Don’t Know – 24%.

Republic concludes that support for the Monarchy is collapsing, no longer commanding the support of the British people and, therefore, it is time that a serious public debate, about the democratic alternative of a monarch being the Head of State for the UK, took place within the broadcasting networks and the wider media. There has been significant acclaim for the new book, Abolish the Monarchy – Why we Should and How we Will, by the CEO of Republic, Graham Smith.

If ever you thought tradition, tourism, or political stability were good argument for the Crown, this razor-sharp book knocks that nonsense into a top hat (Polly Toynbee – renowned political journalist)

38 Degrees

38 Degrees gets its name from the angle at which a pile of snow becomes an avalanche. When enough gathers in the right place, it becomes an unstoppable force. By sharing a petition with people whom you know will care and, further, will act as an indicator of that caring, one person can join an avalanche of people working together for a better world.

Amongst many other campaigns started and financed by members, 38 Degrees petitioned King Charles from secretly seizing the assets of dead people for his own profit. He can do this because of the financial arrangement and privileges he receives from the Duchy of Lancaster. The 38 Degrees campaigners believe that such a scheme should be immediately concluded and, where relevant and legitimate, financial profits from the assets of dead people should be deposited with the government exchequer, and then used for the benefit of the UK taxpayer and the public good.

The basis of each action by members of 38 Degrees is that, with concerned, concrete, and concerted action by masses of ordinary people, change can be achieved. Furthermore, the movement encourages those associated with it to effect change through the organizing of petitions, media campaigns, and considered use of the media. It is a peoples’ movement, a movement for ordinary people.

Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you have taken new action. If there is no action, you have not truly decided (Anthony Robbins – American motivator)

Note:

Part 2 of this article will be published on 29.10.2024. It will discuss the work of The Guardian newspaper; Dignity In Dying, the campaign for the legalization of assisted dying; and Open Britain, a movement advocating greater democracy in the UK.