In early 1858, on Ternate in Malaysia, a young specimen collector was tracking the island’s elusive birds of paradise when he was struck by malaria. ‘Every day, during the cold and succeeding hot fits, I had to lie down during which time I had nothing to do but to think over any subjects then particularly interesting me,’ he later recalled. Thoughts of money or women might have filled lesser heads.

A historic precedent was set at the European parliament today [18 June]. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mrs Asma Jahangir, addressed the European Parliament, much as religious leaders such as the Pope and the Grand Mufti of Syria have done. Sophie in’t Veld MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Working Party for the Separation of Religion and Politics, said: “I welcome the European Parliament’s invitation to Mrs Jahangir.

The Telegraph offers a typically facile report about atheism. Reminds me of something a member of our group said. One of her relatives asked “Don’t you have to be clever to be a Humanist?” She replied, “No, but you do have to use the brains you’ve got.” A retired professor has said that a higher proportion of clever people consider themselves atheists than the national average. Professor Richard Lynn, though no doubt clever himself, is hardly uncontroversial.

Parents will have to sign agreements promising to support the ethos of faith schools in a concession to religious leaders unveiled by Ed Balls today. Children could be denied places if their parents refuse to make the commitment following a ‘clarification’ of guidelines by the Children’s Secretary. Children could be refused places at faith schools if parents don’t sign-up to religious agreements | Mail Online. Tags: Faith+schools, Ed+Balls

Darwin’s 200th birthday has become a rallying point for scientists opposing creationism as the 18 month long celebrations of his birth and the 150th anniversary of his theory started this week. Four out of ten Britons now believe either in Creation or in its watered-down cousin Intelligent Design, and Creationism is being taught in state-approved schools. Dr Bob Bloomfield of the Natural History Museum who is a key player in the Darwin 200 project expressed his concerns: “The statistics in this country are quite frightening.

The US-based Institute for Humanist Studies has provided this guide to celebrations, holidays and ceremonies free from religion.

The Ipswich & Suffolk Indian Association says, “If the Bollywood beat moves your feet, then bring yourself, your family and friends to the sixth Indian Summer Mela hosted by the association. ‘Mela’ means ‘to meet’ and describes community celebrations and festivals in the Indian subcontinent. It is open to all and admission is free. Experience the world of South Asian arts, culture and music. Performances on the covered stage feature local, national, established and up-and coming artists.

If you’re interested in joining us, please email by 28 July at the latest, so we know how many to expect. We can’t book at The Seal, so need to get there early and grab a table or tables. Varied menu includes vegetarian options.

We all like celebrations, holidays and ceremonies – why should the religious claim them all? The Institute for Humanist Studies has provided a website that details all of the above for those who live free from religion – the Secular Seasons site. Find out about Thomas Paine Day, Darwin Day, the equinoxes and solstices, and all about Humanist ceremonies – though we’re not mentioned, so go to our ceremonies page for local info.

Turkey’s embattled prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, launched an attempt to save his political skin yesterday by seeking to lower tensions in a power struggle with the state’s secular establishment that threatens to split the country, close his party and oust him from office. After days of simmering government anger, Erdogan pleaded with his supporters and Turkey’s most senior judges to avoid a “clash of powers” following a ruling that overturned a law allowing female university students to wear the Islamic headscarf.