Like Christmas, but don't fancy knocking around a stable? The Humanists have a non-religious message

By PRSD, on Thursday, December 24, 2009

If you’re one of the one-in-ten that regularly attends church services in Devon, you might want to stick to a Christian Christmas. Or if you’re part of the third of the Devon people who has a religious belief, a baby in a manger could be just up your street. But, say the Devon Humanists, the rest of the Devon population wants to celebrate Christmas too.

Here’s why the Humanists have a Christmas message:

Traditionally, religious leaders in Devon have been invited to contribute a Christmas Message for publication and broadcast. Some commentators have even suggested that only those of the Christian faith should celebrate Christmas.

However, around a third of people in Devon have no religious beliefs and less than 10 per cent regularly attend any church service.

Humanists believe that all those in our county – whether they have a faith or not and regardless of where they live – are entitled to be involved in festivities at this time of year. All should be treated equally and no-one should feel excluded whatever their beliefs are.

Therefore, Devon’s Humanists have written this Christmas Message which we believe may go some way to redress the balance between those of faith and no faith during the Christmas holidays.

Tune in tomorrow to read the Humanist Christmas message.

According to a YouGov survey from December 2004