The weekly report on the SPI Coalition
by Julie Esris
The Sharia Court in Nigeria has sentenced nine people to death for blasphemy.┬áSPI Coalition member┬áNational Secular Society teams up with other secular groups– organized by Secular Policy Institute– to write to the Nigerian government┬áin order┬áto request a pardon for these people. Learn more about their efforts.
What has Scientology got to hide?┬áYes, it’s another exciting video of SPI Coalition member┬áConway Hall‘s London Thinks series! Join guest speakers– journalist Tony Ortega, publisher Humfrey Hunter, and writer John Sweeney as they discuss issues within the mysterious cult of Scientology.┬á
Depression is a very debilitating condition for many people. But what causes it, and what can be done about it? SPI Coalition member Filipino Freethinkers offers yet another interesting podcast, in which the hosts interview Dr. Margie Holmes about this important topic.
Many Jews┬ávalue their cultural heritage but do not believe in God. These people are often part of the movement known as Humanistic Judaism. Humanistic Jewish congregations have popped up all over The United States. However, there is only one in Minnesota: SPI Coalition member┬áOr Emet. Or Emet’s Eve Rose Cohen┬ádiscusses Humanistic Judaism in this interesting interview.
State-funded schools in Ireland demand baptism certificates? No, this is not a joke! KFM Radio interviews Michael Nugent, of SPI Coalition member Atheist Ireland, about this problem.
Have atheists in America ever faced housing discrimination? Yes! How can fair-housing laws protect atheists? SPI Coalition member Atheist Community of San Jose hosted a presentation, now on YouTube, about what you can do if you face housing discrimination for being an atheist.
It’s common at funerals to read from religious scripture. But what if the deceased was an atheist? SPI Coalition member┬áBritish Columbia Humanists Association offers some beautiful poems for such an occasion.
Religion can be very divisive. However, SPI Coalition member Humanist Society (Singapore) is working to build bridges by encouraging dialogue between youth representing religious groups and secular groups. Learn more about this important project.
SPI Coalition member, American Atheists, is going to be hosting the first major atheist conference in Puerto Rico, featuring speakers, social events, and activist-training workshops. Find out about how to register. But hurry! The conference on August 22nd and 23rd!
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a classic film that pokes fun at Christianity. John Lindgren of SPI Coalition member Red River Freethinkers reflects on this hilarious movie and its stage adaptation, Spamalot.