Humanism

Humanists are everyday people who espouse the principles of humanism. These principles include helping others, concern for our environment, meeting in community with like-minded individuals, making connections, growing through interaction with those who hold diverse beliefs, and building a legacy that makes our world a better place.

The Humanist Society provides information, endorses clergy, and builds connections in service to a laity of humanists wherever they may be. The Humanist Society was first recognized in 1939 by the IRS as a nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) and as a church under section (i) of section 170(b)(1)(A) for our religious purposes. While we have no supernatural or divine belief systems, our commitment to our values is deeply held and provides us with answers to the ultimate questions of life, death, and meaning. Our current organization builds upon early organizations in the 50 years prior to its founding, as well as a long humanist and scientific tradition dating back to the Enlightenment and the moral and natural philosophers of the ancient world.

As humanist clergy, our Celebrants provide our fellow humanists with care throughout the human lifecycle. These celebrations, sometimes joyous and sometimes somber, are best held with attention to the preferred worldview and values of those in attendance. We also endorse Chaplains for service in hospitals, schools, the military, and other institutional settings. Providing values-based support to those in need, humanist or otherwise, is a critical service to our community. The Humanist Society takes very seriously its responsibility to humanists and to non-humanists who can be served by our Chaplains. Our endorsements are recognized by the Association of Professional Chaplains and the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy, and we are very proud of our board-certified Chaplains currently in service. We are fully participating members of the COMISS Network as endorsers.