There is currently an online petition calling for the abolishment of faith schools. It reads: We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Abolish all faith schools and prohibit the teaching of creationism and other religious mythology in all UK schools. Online petitions are often a waste of time, but 10 Downing Street is actually encouraging them. They say: Downing Street is working in partnership with the non-partisan charitable project mySociety to provide a service to allow citizens, charities and campaign groups to set up petitions that are hosted on the Downing Street website, enabling anyone to address and deliver a petition directly to the Prime Minister.

A few years ago, the mayor of a Suffolk town, an atheist, planned to mark Armistice Day with an inclusive, secular ceremony. After the procession through the town and a wreath-laying on the war memorial, it would be up to those who were Christians whether or not they attended a church service. It never happened. The mayor had to deal with a family matter and handed the arrangements over to others who (influenced by conservatives in the British Legion) did things the usual way, with religious ceremonial.

E-mail: mail@suffolkhumanists.org.uk Event description: Margaret Nelson from Suffolk Humanists will review the papers with Rachel Sloane on BBC local radio. Can’t be sure of the exact time, but from about 7 am. BBC Radio Suffolk is on 95.5, 95.9, 103.9 & 104.6 fm. See the link on the Radio Suffolk website to listen online if you’re not in the area.

The Church of England has challenged the Royal Mail’s move to issue festive stamps without a Christian theme. Santa, a snowman and a reindeer are among the festive images on the Royal Mail’s 40th set of Christmas stamps. The church “regretted” Royal Mail’s decision not to launch “Christian themed designs reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas”. Link: BBC NEWS | Business | Church challenges festive stamps

This talk was prepared for a Faith & Reflection Day at Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge, on 3 November 2006. The event ended the school’s One World Fortnight. I had to skip a chunk of my talk because the previous speakers overran (don’t you just hate it when that happens?), and we were running out of time. The other speakers included a Jew, a Unitarian, a Buddhist, the Mayor of Woodbridge, John Gummer MP, a Hospice Chaplain, the Bishop of Dunwich, a Quaker, and the local Vicar, who said he agreed with everything I said.

John Humphrys as you’ve never heard him before – talking with religious leaders about his unfulfilled desire to believe in God. How is faith possible in a world of suffering, much of it arguably caused by religion or religious extremism and to which God seems to turn a blind eye? Is there a place for religion in an age dominated by science? John Humphrys talking to rather than interviewing Archbishop Rowan Williams is worth listening to.

A new educational project has begun in Bosnia-Hercegovina, aimed at ending ethnic divisions in the country. Link: BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Bosnia tries multi-ethnic education Elsewhere on this website, I referred to the Integrated Education Fund in Northern Ireland, where parents have had to raise funds to enable their children to experience integrated education. Now a new college in Mostar offers students a chance to learn side by side with young people from other ethnic groups.

The alternative to secular multi-culturalism is not an enforced integration, such as we see in France. What is required is a proper and mutually respectful co-operation between religious faith and public authorities. Link: Telegraph | Comment | Labour’s plans for faith schools will only make divisions deeper Dr Vincent Nichols says Catholic schools are doing a good job – well, he would, wouldn’t he? – and that the idea of making a quarter of places in faith schools available to pupils of other faiths or none won’t work.

British people waste more energy than the inhabitants of any other major western European nation, hastening climate change and adding £2.5bn to annual fuel bills, according to research. Link: Independent Online Edition > Environment An ICM poll conducted in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, showed that the British seem less concerned about global warming that our European neighbours. 71% leave appliances on standby 67% boil more water than needed in kettles 65% leave chargers plugged in 63% don’t turn off lights in empty rooms 48% use the car for short journeys 44% wash clothes at 60F 32% leave the engine running while the car is stationary 32% use the tumble dryer when the washing line could be used 28% have the central heating on in an empty house 22% turn up the thermostat instead of reaching for a jumper If you’re not one of the culprits, good for you – Humanists should care for the environment.

Founded in 1881 by GW Foote, an outspoken critic of religion, the Freethinker is a secular Humanist monthly magazine.