Agenda

1   Reflections on Recent News

Have you seen / read something recently that you think would be of interest to humanists?

2   Minutes

Agree minutes of the last Meeting (11th January 2010)

3   Humanism in Africa (Mike Flood)

Short report back on recent discussions in Ghana with two African Humanists, and some of the issues and challenges that they face operating in a country where 95% of the population are devout practicing Christians, and faith provides hope for many who live in poverty ― and protection against juju and bad spells.

4   Women in Religion (Andrea Quayle)

All of the major world religions deprecate women to some degree. In this session we will dig a little deeper into this, and delve into some of the texts which relate specifically to women and religion from a female perspective. Andrea will be quoting extensively from a new book entitled: 'Does God Hate Women?' by Ophelia Benson & Jeremy Stangroom (Continuum 2009). The following provide a flavour of what will be on the menu: “It's a contingent fact but it is a fact that the God we have in the Big Three monotheisms is a God who originated in a period when male superiority was absolutely taken for granted. This God could have changed as human ideas about male superiority and female inferiority changed ― and to some extent and in some sects, this God has changed ― but on the whole, and especially in the more conservative religions, it hasn't."

5   Outreach

Report back on the recent BHA Reception, and discussions with neighbouring Humanist groups about regional meetings, and preparations for Humanist Week in June.

6   The Programme for 2010

Our Programme is almost decided. We still need volunteers to take responsibility for three of the sessions and head up the discussion. Could you do it?

7   AOB

We need to collect Membership fees for 2010, so please come prepared. This does not of course apply to guests, who are always welcome!

Location: York House, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes
Time: 18.15 for 18.30