Those who are attracted to a positive, progressive philosophy unencumbered by the rigidity of traditional religions embrace the vibrant lifestance of Humanism. The Humanist Society (HS) gives life to Humanism’s rational philosophy by focusing on community and daily living. HS connects you to other Humanists in several ways. Its flagship publication, Humanist Living includes inspirational stories, engaging book reviews, informative articles on raising Humanist children, and other writings about life as a Humanist.
Recognizing the important role life occasions play in individual and community life, the Humanist Society’s unique ministry prepares Humanist Celebrants to lead ceremonial observances across the nation and worldwide. Celebrants provide millions of Americans an alternative to traditional religious weddings, memorial services, and other life cycle events. Celebration of life is central to a meaningful Humanist philosophy, and Humanist Celebrants officiate significant celebrations vital to Humanist life.
HS is also starting to work at the grassroots level by developing the Humanist Community Project, by providing the tools to develop truly Humanist communities. These communities will empower local Humanist groups with the ability to reach out to a greater population of people by providing educational programs, regular communal celebrations, and meaningful social interaction with fellow Humanists.
Our History
In July 1939 a group of Quakers, inspired by the 1933 Humanist Manifesto, decided to form a nontheistic society based on similar goals and beliefs. In Humanism’s tenets they saw the promise of a genuine union between science and ethics, one that would put into action a new kind of naturalistic religion.
It was therefore with the goal in mind that this small band of former Quakers incorporated, in December 1939, under the state laws of California the Humanist Society of Friends as a religious, educational, charitable nonprofit organization authorized to issue charters anywhere in the world and to train and ordain its own ministry, who upon ordination are then accorded the same rights and privileges granted by law to priests, ministers, and rabbis of traditional theistic religions.
The Humanist Society of Friends attracted a range of leadership well beyond their Quaker and Humanist roots. Educators, scholars, business and labor professionals, scientists, artists, and others contributed to the society’s rich history of conducting meetings, ceremonies, and various rites of passage.
Since 1991 the organization has worked as an adjunct to the American Humanist Association to certify qualified members to serve in this special capacity. In 2003 the organization’s board voted to remove the “of Friends” portion of the name.